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WiFi Connection and Internet Safety Policy

We offer WiFi connection and networking to visitors during operating hours FREE of charge. This service connects your laptop or other wireless-enabled devices to the Internet through the Library’s network. To access the Internet, launch your web browser, and tap or click the green “Continue to the Internet” button.

You will be connected to our “Parkland Guest” network.

If you want to access the wireless network, you will need:

A laptop computer (or another wireless-enabled device)
A wireless network interface card compatible with the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b)
To configure the laptop (or other wireless-enabled devices) to access the wireless network
A charged battery (electrical outlets are available in some areas of the Library, but not all)
Compatible headphones if you are planning to use audio files

FAQ

How long does my session last?

Unlike public access computers, there are no time limits when using your own wireless equipment. However, the Library reserves the right to disconnect any device at any time to manage the network and provide equal opportunity for wireless access to all users.

I don’t have a Library card. Can I access the Parkland Community Library’s wireless network?

Wireless access is reserved for Parkland Community Library cardholders. If you don’t have a Library card, please go to the nearest service desk.

Can I print documents from my laptop using the Library’s printer?

Yes. Please go to our printing page here for more info.

What can interrupt my connection?

Anything can interfere with the radio waves of the wireless connection—if you have a problem connecting to the network, try moving to a different location.

Are there any restrictions on using this service?

All users of the wireless network must comply with our Electronic Resources and the Internet Safety Policy listed below. Access to violent and or sexually explicit material is prohibited. All sessions are filtered by the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Do I require any additional software to access the Internet?

It is highly recommended that you have installed and are running some up-to-date Antivirus / Antispam software. Also, it is recommended that privacy software (such as a personal firewall) be in place as the network is not secure (see Disclaimers below).

Limitations and Disclaimers

Library staff cannot provide technical assistance, and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
The Library’s wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet.
The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s wireless network.
The staff cannot control the availability of sites you would like to visit. Sites frequently change addresses or close down, and some sites may limit access to affiliated or authorized users.
The Parkland Community Library provides computers with filtering software to limit children’s exposure to some websites. Internet traffic on the wireless network is also filtered. The software blocks specific sites that could be offensive to some users. Filtering software may not block all material that users might find offensive. Parents may wish to supervise their children’s Internet sessions. Filtering software may also inadvertently block inoffensive material. If you believe you are being unjustly blocked from a site, please notify a staff member.
The Parkland Community Library reserves the right to prohibit an individual from accessing the wireless network if that individual is violating any of the policies or guidelines of the Parkland Community Library. A warning will be issued if such a violation occurs. If, after a warning, an individual is again found to be violating the Library’s policies or guidelines, they will be banned from accessing the wireless network at our Library.
Please review our Computer Use policy by clicking here.

Internet Safety Policy

Introduction

It is the policy of the Parkland Community Library to (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via the Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-534].

Definitions

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

Wireless Internet (WiFi).

Library wireless users must comply with the same computer and internet use policy designated for the Library’s public computers.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment, or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s wireless network. Use of our available Wireless Internet is at the patron’s own risk.

Service is available as is. There is no guarantee of availability or quality.

All library policies apply to users of wireless access.

Wireless Internet WiFi Use Policy

Tech Internet Usage Policy

HP Laptops Available for In-Library Use

HP EliteBook x360 830 G10

These new HPs will be available for borrowing inside the library every day. The Tech Center assistant will check the laptop out to you and return it upon your check-in.

Job Seekers Can Borrow A Laptop for Home Use

Dell Latitude 5520

PCL also provides laptops with career tools that patrons can check out to search for jobs at home.

More About Laptops

Borrow a tablet at the library.

Hublet Tablets for in-house use

The Parkland Community Library offers six self-service Hublet Tablets for use within the library building. Visit the Hublet Tablets kiosk located in the Barclay Family Children’s wing, near the Youth Services desk.

The Hublet Tablets are loaded with profiles for adults, teens, and children that may be selected on the kiosk screen.

Patrons selecting the children’s profile will have age-appropriate preloaded games and no internet access.

These new devices aim to provide valuable digital experiences for patrons, featuring profiles that educate, entertain, and enhance engagement with library services. If you forget your device or need an extra one for a family member to use in the library, these devices are available.