LAPL Completely Wi-Fi

-- Library Journal, 5/7/2007

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) has joined the Wi-Fi set: the system announced this week that its Central Library and all 71 branches now offer wireless access to the Internet and all of its web-based resources. The library said the new capability was born out of need because demand was so great for its 2200 computers. The three-year project was accomplished through a fundraising effort by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and didn't tap into LAPL's budget or any city money. "Transforming our libraries into Wi-Fi access points revolutionizes our ability to serve people," said City Librarian Fontayne Holmes. "With Wi-Fi, we're providing computer access to far more people, without incurring the high cost of purchasing and maintaining additional equipment. Best of all, when people use their own laptops, more of our computers are available to patrons who must rely on library equipment for Internet access."