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WIRELESS INTERNET USER'S GUIDE

How do I use the library's wireless Internet?
Bring your laptop with wireless Internet capability to the Main Library or any of the branch libraries and connect to the Internet. No passwords are required and all visitors are welcome to use this free service. If you cannot connect to the Internet, check out the following helpful guidelines.

What hardware do I need?
You will need a laptop computer with wireless capability that supports the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.1 1a, b, or g).

What are the required settings?
Your laptop needs to be configured to obtain an IP address automatically using DHCP. Because each person's laptop is different, you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment.

Where can I connect my laptop?
At the Main Library, the wireless signal is focused on the ground floor atrium just outside the community meeting room and the cafe, in the Children's Room, and in the Richardson building. The atrium signal is also strong on the first and second floors near the atrium, but the farther you move from the atrium, the weaker the signal will become.

Use of the wireless signal in the Children's Room is limited to adults accompanying young children. Wireless service in all other areas of the Main Library is open to all.

At the branch libraries, the wireless signal is generally available throughout the buildings, although signal strength varies depending on where you are sitting with your laptop. The signal does not reach into the Adams Shore meeting room.

Is there wireless access support?
Library staff cannot assist with setting up wireless Internet on your computer. You are responsible for setting up your own equipment.

Can I print from my laptop?
Printers are not available via the wireless connection. If you need to print, you may save your work to a flash drive, CD or floppy disk (or email your work to yourself) and then use one of our public workstations to print. Printing is 15¢ per page.

General Information for All Systems
These are general guidelines and require that you understand how to configure and restore the settings of your own computer. It is best to try to use the Internet before attempting any of the changes suggested.

Wireless Card Settings
Use the software that came with your computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library's wireless network.

  • SSID (network name) =
    • "Thomas Crane Public Library" (in the Main Library atrium)
    • "Richardson Room" (Main Library)
    • "Children's Room" (Main Library)
    • "Adams Shore Library" (at the Adams Shore Branch)
    • "North Quincy Library" (at the North Quincy Branch)
    • "Wollaston Library" (at the Wollaston Branch)
  • WEP = disable WEP encryption
  • Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point

Windows 2000 & XP
Network Settings:

  1. From Control Panel, select Network and Dial-up Connections or Network and Internet Connections > Internet Connections.
  2. Right-click on Wireless Network Connection or Local Area Connection and select Properties.
  3. Locate the Internet TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
  4. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
  5. For XP, right-click on Wireless Network Connection and select View Available Wireless Networks. Select the name of the wireless network available at the library and click Connect.

Macintosh iBooks and PowerBooks
Network Settings (OS X.X):

  1. Select the AirPort icon (the icon that resembles a baseball diamond) in the Apple menu bar at the top right side of your screen.
  2. To turn AirPort on, select Turn AirPort On in the AirPort menu.
  3. Select Apple Menu > System Preferences > Internet and Network.
  4. Go to Location and select Automatic.

Disclaimer & Policies
The Thomas Crane Public Library cannot guarantee your hardware will work with our wireless connection.

The Library is not responsible for any damage, loss of information, or loss of privacy that may occur, either directly or indirectly, to any personal equipment or data as a result of using the library's wireless Internet access.

Users of the Library's wireless Internet access must comply with all other Library policies, including but not limited to the Computer and Internet Use Policies and the Patron Behavior Policy.

  • Computers must be used quietly and with respect for the privacy of others.
  • Users must refrain from viewing material that is inappropriate for a public area, including sexually explicit images. Display of material that may be deemed obscene and/or unlawful under federal or state law is not permitted.
  • All audio must be disabled unless headphones are used.
  • At the Main Library, food, drink, and cell phone use are restricted to the atrium.
  • At the branch libraries, food, drink, and cell phone use are not permitted.

The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet. The Library cannot specifically guarantee or be held accountable for the content, quality, accuracy, timeliness, authority, or usefulness of this information.



Last Modified: February 12, 2008
©Thomas Crane Public Library, Quincy, Mass. 02169