A small step for the Mid-Continent Public Library...

...but at least it's in the right direction.

Some of you may have noticed that all their branches are now listed as free hotspots on JiWire. Curious, I dropped in at the Blue Ridge branch to check it out. No, Ma Bell isn't gone, but by asking at the desk you'll be handed a card with a coupon code to keep her at bay. Whether the expiration date on the card (the one I'm currently using is supposedly good through August) is truly valid, or whether it'll work at any other AT&T location, I have no idea. Nor do I know if the code will work for more than one user (as did the single one AT&T gave everyone for use at all their non-McDonald's locations over the holidays last year).

I don't frequent play-for-pay hotspots, so it may be a while before I can provide definitive answers to the above. I can tell you, however, that at 6 p. m. mine is the only laptop in evidence here, despite all the public workstations being occupied (in fact, there's a waiting list for them).

Take the hint, MCPL. You've acknowledged now that you need free wireless access. The next logical step would obviously be to eliminate the barriers to usage, so the queue waiting for your desktops starts shrinking. You really should take this network over yourself and get rid of the hoop-jumping required to get on it. Remember-the easier you make something to use, the more people will use it. At the very least, post the coupon code with the signs (if it's universal) and make some mention on your webpage that your Wi-Fi is now free, even if it isn't entirely open.