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NORRIDGEWOCK — The Norridgewock Public Library has partnered with the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center to expand its free outdoor wi-fi access.
Free high-speed wireless internet access is now available from any spot in the parking lot areas of Mill Stream School and the Norridgewock Public Library, and from any place in the Barr Hatfield Athletic Park on U.S. Route 2. At the Sophie May Library, the expanded outdoor wireless is available around the building’s perimeter and the space stretching between the building and the bridge, covering the pocket park and granite terrace. No password is necessary.
With the pandemic, education (both K-12 and college programs) has shifted to online distance learning, where students must have access to the internet to complete assignments. Historically, students who do not have access to reliable internet use public areas, like libraries or private businesses, to get online to complete assignments. This further increases the likelihood of students falling behind on coursework and their grades suffering.
Wi-fi has enabled children to participate in online schoolwork, complete classroom assignments and allow community members to obtain unemployment and reemployment resources. This wi-fi has also expanded access to digital banking, connected citizens to telemedicine resources, enabled voter registration and census taking, and much more. This internet connectivity also helps bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas and underserved neighborhoods that often lack broadband options.
In addition to providing free outside internet access, inside services at the Norridgewock Public Library include free access to its computer stations. Each station has internet connection and print options. The library also offers free access to great such as Ancestry.com when onsite. For more information, call 207-634-2828.
ITDRC is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that has provided wi-fi hardware and installation free of charge through its ProjectConnect initiative at hundreds of sites across the country. For more information, visit itdrc.org/covid-19/projectconnect.
