Bed-Stuy Library To Give Free WiFi To Surrounding Neighbors

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — Free wireless internet will soon be available within a block of Bed-Stuy's Macon Library in an effort to bring WiFi to those who need it.

The Brooklyn Public Library announced Friday that it will install roof antennas on 19 library branches as part of a new program to bridge the Digital divide.

The antennas will extend the free wireless internet signal at the library 300 feet around the building, according to BPL.

They have already been installed at five libraries — Brownsville, Bushwick, Coney Island, Red Hook and Stone Avenue — and will be put on another 14, including Macon, over the next few weeks, BPL said in a release.

"Brooklyn Public Library has long recognized internet access as a prerequisite to survival and done all we can to bridge the digital divide," BPL President Linda E. Johnson said. "During the first four months of the pandemic, nearly 185,000 patrons came to the stoops of closed branches to go online, and Bklyn Reach will allow access to thousands more. That means more of our neighbors can attend school, apply for new jobs, order prescription medicine, check out books, and more."

Nearly one-third of New York City households lack broadband internet access and about two-thirds of those households lack cellular data plans, according to a 2019 report issued by the NYC Comptroller. The report found that the lack of service disproportionately impacts low income neighborhoods.

Before the pandemic, libraries were able to bridge the gap by offering a connection, computers and other technology support.

Brooklyn Public Libraries have only been reopened from a coronavirus-prompted closure for lobby service in recent months.

The BKLYN Reach WiFi program will also include service at bookmobiles and a "techmobile" that will provide both STEM programming and tech services including Wi-Fi, laptop charging stations, desktop computers and meeting space with the help of funding by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. The techmobile will launch in 2021.

Here are the libraries that will have the extended WiFi:

• Brownsville
• Bushwick
• Coney Island
• Red Hook
• Stone Avenue
• Arlington
• Bedford
• Borough Park
• Brighton Beach
• Cypress Hills
• Jamaica Bay
• Kings Bay
• Macon
• Midwood
• New Lots
• Saratoga
• Walt Whitman
• Washington Irving
• Flatbush