Library hotspots available

More Wi-Fi hotspots are available at public libraries throughout Clallam County.

The Forks Library parking lot at 171 S. Forks Ave. is one of 15 locations in the state to offer free, temporary emergency internet service in the first phase of Drive-In WiFi Hotspots.

The WiFi hotspot is supported locally by the North Olympic Library System — which oversees public libraries in Port Angeles, Sequim, Clallam Bay and Forks — and WSU Clallam County Extension.

The emphasis is on student access, said Noah Glaude, assistant library director, but WiFi is available to all residents who need it for such reasons as job searches, telehealth, telework, unemployment filing, census participation and other uses.

The library system also provides free WiFi in its library parking lots in Clallam Bay, Port Angeles and Sequim.

Anticipated WiFi coverage area is 1000-2000 feet diameter around each access point.

“When you log on you will be asked to identify your uses such as education, telehealth, job search or government services,” said Clea Rome, WSU Clallam County Extension director.

“This information will help determine the important reasons we need to increase broadband availability to homes and businesses in our area.”

This project was launched in collaboration with Washington State University Extension, the Washington State Library, part of the Washington Office of the Secretary of State, and the Washington State Broadband Office. Equipment for the first 15 sites was donated by Microsoft.