Libraries are currently closed or have changed their services in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus in an attempt to help prevent the spread of the virus. Most Libraries still have Wi-Fi available outside of the building. If you have any questions regarding your local library, please contact them directly.

Check out https://cefls.org/public/library-closures/ to find out if your library is still offering Wi-Fi.

***It is important to note that exposure to COVID-19 can occur from any person to-person contact. When trying to access public Wi-Fi, remember to implement preventative health measures to maintain you and your child’s safety, this includes staying in your vehicle and/or maintaining a distance of six feet or greater apart if not in a vehicle at public location while accessing free Wi-Fi .

Public Wi-Fi networks are great, but they aren’t always safe. Sharing a network with other people means that your personal information is in danger of being seen or accessed. Protect yourself by taking the following precautions:

Know Who to Trust

• When possible stick to well-known networks, like Starbucks. These Wi-Fi networks are likely less suspect.
• Stick With HTTPS. Use ‘https’ (secure) websites as much as possible. While most frequented websites such as Facebook will automatically convert to a secure connection, keep an eye on the URL to make sure.
• Don’t Give Away Your Info!
• Be very wary of signing up for public Wi-Fi access if you’re getting asked for a bunch of personal details, like your email address or your phone number. If you absolutely have to connect to networks like this, stick to places you trust and consider using an alternative email address that isn’t your primary one.
• Don’t enter sensitive information. Don’t access personal bank accounts or enter any sensitive personal data.
• Don’t leave your laptop, tablet, or smartphone unattended in a public place.
• Forget the network. Unless you specify otherwise, your computer or device will likely remember the Wi-Fi network and reconnect to it whenever you are in range. Doing this can leave your information exposed while you’re not browsing. Avoid this by unchecking ‘Connect Automatically’ in your network settings.

Limit File Sharing.

• Turn off sharing on your device.
  When you’re on a public network around strangers, you’ll want to cut off the features that enable file sharing on your devices. On a PC, that means going to Network and Sharing Center, then Change advanced sharing settings, then Turn off file and printer sharing. For Macs, go to System Preferences, then Sharing, and unselect everything. Then head to Finder, click on AirDrop, and select Allow me to be discovered by: No One. For iOS, just find AirDrop in the Control Center and turn it off.

National Chains with Free Wi-Fi

• Starbucks
• McDonald’s
• Panera Bread
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Burger King
• Taco Bell
• Chic-Fil-A
• Wendy’s
• KFC
• Subway

Retail Stores with Free Wi-Fi

• Target
• Best Buy
• Wal-Mart
• Kohl’s
• Lowes
• Michael’s
• Staples

Other Places with Free Wi-Fi

• Public Library
• County Courthouse
• Town Halls
• Airports
• Trains and Buses
• Public Parks
• Hospitals