Forsyth Libraries Offer Free WiFi, Online Programs

CUMMING, GA — Free WiFi internet access is now available from the parking lots of all four Forsyth County Public Library branches.

WiFi access is available each day from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Patrons using the WiFi service must observe social distancing by remaining inside their vehicles.

"As students return to online learning this week and the community has a heightened need for accessing information, libraries all across Georgia are reconfiguring their networks to provide WiFi in their parking lots," Library Director Anna Lyle said.

Patrons who depend on the library for internet access should bear in mind that this is an open, unsecured connection and there is no passcode required. The connection is filtered and virtual private network connections will not work.

“In addition to providing WiFi, our staff is currently filming and hosting online programs, such as story times and book clubs,” Lyle said.

A daily list of online activities is posted in the events calendar on the library’s website.

“We began distributing Online Story time programs to patrons via email last month and since then we’ve added video yoga programs, web-based book club discussions for adults and teens, a Baby & Me video series for infants and their caregivers, and a weekly fun challenge for elementary-aged students and their families,” Programming Manager Tracy Walker said.

Most of the library system’s online programs can be accessed via YouTube and Facebook Watch.

To access the book club meetings for adults and teens, patrons should register for the desired program on the events calendar and check their email for a link to join web-based conferences on GoToMeeting.

Patrons who wish to view Online Story times on Tuesdays and Thursdays should subscribe to the Online Story time mailing list on the library’s website.

“We’re grateful to the publishers who are granting temporary permission for their books to be read online, and we are complying with their requests to refrain from posting our recordings publicly," Walker said. "Because of this, we’re sending links privately to our patrons, so they can view our videos at their convenience. Our patrons have been receptive to this temporary switch to online programming, and we plan to offer other special programs, such as craft demonstrations and book talks, in the coming weeks."

All library locations remain closed until further notice and in-person programming has also been suspended, but patrons may continue to check out electronic materials from the library’s website.

Patrons can even get personalized reading suggestions while the library is closed. Staff are receiving and responding to requests from kids, teens, and adults daily, says Deputy Director Stephen Kight.

“We really miss our patrons, but we encourage everyone in our community to stay at home, practice social distancing, and stay as healthy as possible," Lyle said. "If patrons have questions about accessing library services from home, please use our Ask a Librarian service and our staff will respond as quickly as possible."

The Ask a Librarian service can also be used to submit reference questions, general library account questions, and request help finding something to read.

Forsyth County residents who wish to register for a library card may do so online and get immediate access to the library's online services.

For more information regarding online services and resources, visit www.forsythpl.org.