The Ridgefield Library offers free wireless Internet access to patrons with wireless-enabled laptop computers or handheld devices. Through its Wi-Fi program, the Library seeks to expand the number of users who can access Internet-based resources while at the Library, thus furthering its mission to support the recreational, informational and educational needs of Ridgefielders.

All use of the Internet through the medium of the Library’s wireless network is governed by the same policies applying to its public access computer workstations. These policies state the limitations of Internet access, the user’s responsibilities for using that access, and definitions of acceptable and unacceptable uses. Users will be held responsible for any inappropriate use of the Internet, whether on a laptop or one of the Library’s Public Access Computers.

Wireless Internet access at the Ridgefield Library is not filtered by the Library. Parents wishing to restrict access to the Internet by their children should purchase filtering software for their own laptops.

Wi-Fi users must supply their own wireless-enabled laptop computers or handheld devices; the Library does not supply wireless cards or laptops.

While the Library makes efforts to maximize security for Wi-Fi users, wireless networks by their very nature are less secure than a wired network. Use of the Library’s wireless network is at the user’s own risk, and the Ridgefield Library is not responsible for any personal information or data files that may be compromised or any damage caused to hardware or software due to security issues or consequences of viruses or hacking.

Library staff can verify whether the Library’s wireless connection is functioning properly, but they cannot assist in making changes to users’ network settings or troubleshooting the user’s own hardware or software.  Please refer to the owner’s manual or other support services offered by your computer or wireless card vendor.

Wireless Internet access is available free of charge to all users, subject to log-in procedures described below.

To access the Library’s wireless network, users must log in using their library card barcode number.  Cards from any Connecticut public library are accepted; users not holding a qualifying card may be issued a temporary guest card.

No printing services are available for computers accessing the wireless network.

Audio output from laptops accessing the wireless network must be muted or directed to headphones.

Approved by the Ridgefield Library Association Board of Directors 10/24/05