Frequently asked questions about Brooks Free Library’s free wireless service!

Please read this info abut our time and download limits!

The Brooks Free Library is happy to provide this free wireless service. Users are agreeing to comply with our Acceptable Use Policy. Users should be aware that the Library does not have a systems staff, nor are library staff members available 24/7 to assist users with problems with their laptops settings or connection problems, or to troubleshoot and maintain our hotspot controller. During peak periods of use, demand may be so high that problems can develop with the service. For this reason, the library has set maximum time and download limits which are described below.

Bandwidth, and Time & Download Limits:

The bandwidth available to users will vary, depending on the number of users. After you’ve connected to the Internet, a second Internet window, titled “Brooks Free Library – Connection Properties,” will open under the main window. Check this window to see the current download limits and time limits per day. These limits are adjusted periodically according to the demands on system resources. When a user exceeds the time or download limits, that laptop will not be able to use the hotspot for the remainder of the day. At 12:01 am the next day, that laptop will again be able to connect to the wireless service. Users of some services (AOL, Anti-Virus programs, Windows Update) may exceed the download limit without realizing it when the service automatically updates. To avoid this, users can disable automatic updates while they’re using the Brooks Free Library hotspot.

Where can the wireless service be used?:

The Library has three access points, “Brooks East”, “Brooks Central”, and “Brooks West.” You may connect to any of these access points. However, it usually isn’t necessary to select an access point. Just open a web browser, and your laptop should automatically connect to the access point with the strongest signal. During library hours, wireless users can find a comfortable seat and log on. Many users enjoy the Mezzanine (in between the first and second floors), while others enjoy the quieter work areas in the stacks. Since many people with vision impairments use our Library, we must ask that laptop users not run power cords across aisles and walkways. We also ask that users be considerate of others and share access to the electrical outlets. Access to the wireless service is also available outside the Library 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Reception may be better along Main St., but is also available on the parking lot side of the building. Try different areas to find the best signal. Users are asked not to use move the cement benches on the parking lot side. They are heavy, and have become chipped as wireless users have moved them. Comfortable seating in Adirondack chairs is available on the Main St. side of the building. Users are also asked not to block access to our Book Drop, and to be considerate of other users. 

Can I print when using the wireless service?

No, printing isn’t available from our wireless network. Wireless users can email files to themselves or save files to a disk, CD, or usb device, then use our wired public computers during normal library hours to print.

Can’t get online?

First, it may sound silly, but be sure your laptop is equipped with a wireless card. Users sometimes have a borrowed laptop and assume it has a wireless card. Others have thought the card sticking out of the computer was a wireless card, when it was a different kind of card – for example, a “broadband booster”, used to improve the speed of a wired Internet connection. To tell if the laptop is equipped for wireless, open the Control Panel, and then Network Connections. If your laptop is equipped for wireless, you’ll see two icons, one for the local wired connection and one that says Wireless Connection. On the left side of the screen you’ll also be able to click on “View Available Wireless Networks” and see what wireless signals are being received. Settings on your computer may interfere with use of the wireless network. Some pop-up blockers or firewalls may interfere with your connection and slow the speed of transfers. Settings on your computer may prevent your wireless network adapter from connecting automatically even when your computer "sees" our wireless signal. Sometimes users have difficulty accessing the wireless service because the laptop is set to use a static IP address. Our “hotspot controller” will assign an IP address to each device using our service, so your computer must be set to obtain the IP address automatically. To check your settings, go to the Control Panel, open Network Connections and right click on the Wireless Network Connection. Scroll down the list, highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click on the Properties button. The radial button for “Obtain IP address automatically” should be selected.(Please note: If the button for “Use the Following IP address” is selected, you may wish to write those numbers down or save them in a Word file in case you need them to connect to a wireless network at your home, work or school.) Select the button for “Obtain IP Address Automatically”, then close the windows by clicking OK. You should then be able to open a web browser and the Log-In and Registration window will appear.

Technical Support:

The Library is unable to provide technical support for your laptop. Staff members will try to assist by providing information on the common problems users experience, but can’t change settings on your laptop or resolve other technical problems. If these hints do not answer your questions or fix your problem you may need to contact the manufacturer of your laptop or wireless card, or visit a computer repair service. 24/7 service and support for our wireless service is not available. We will try to respond to emails as soon as possible during normal Library hours, but please note that the Library does not have a systems staff and may not be able to respond to your email immediately. Users who are unable to access our wireless service or who exceed the time or download limits are welcome to use our wired public computers during normal Library hours.