Bloomfield Library Extends Free WiFi Coverage To Town Green

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — WiFi access has become a part of daily existence, especially in the age of the coronavirus. And thanks to support from the Bloomfield Public Library Foundation, the library’s WiFi footprint just got a little larger.

On Friday, town officials announced the Bloomfield Public Library has extended its free WiFi coverage to cover outside the library, the State Street lot and the library courtyard.

There will be no password to access the WiFi and there will be no limits or fees, officials said.

“During this time of COVID-19 and lockdowns, the library wanted to find a way to offer increased free WiFi services to the residents of Bloomfield,” Library Director Holly Belli said.

“By expanding the coverage into outdoor areas, we can help more people connect to the online information they need,” Belli added, thanking the Bloomfield Public Library Foundation for “responding to the library's need.”

Mollie Smith, the foundation’s president, said the group is happy to help the library adapt to meet new challenges.

“The foundation is thrilled to support this by investing in technology service enhancements that broaden our community’s access to invaluable online resources, as well as allow users to connect from healthful green spaces outside,” Smith said.

The expanded access got a thumbs-up from Councilwoman Jenny Mundell, liaison to the Bloomfield Public Library Board of Trustees.

“This is another example of how our library plays an essential role in providing the public with free access to information and services,” Mundell said. “We are grateful to the foundation for its support of the library's mission and excited to partner with them on future projects and initiatives.”

For more information about library services, including curbside pickup and summer reading programs/activities, visit www.bplnj.org or call 973-566-6200.

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