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Veronica Hinojosa browses the Internet on an iPad while at the Brawley Public Library on Thursday evening. (CELESTE ALVAREZ PHOTO / January 31, 2013) |
BRAWLEY — Not having a wireless connection has been a difficult challenge for Mike Dermatidis.
“I’ve had to go to Vons and the Rock Café to use their wireless,” Dermatidis said.
Currently unemployed and homeless, Dermatidis relies on the public Internet connections to browse for job applications and stay up to date on his emails.
“I really like being here at the library; good atmosphere,” he said.
The local library here has become one of Dermatidis’s favorite hot spots, with fast Wi-Fi and new power outlet connections to charge his laptop.
“People still love the physical book, but when you need information sometimes the easiest and fastest way to find it is using the Internet. So, it’s the future and the transition of where things are going,” Brawley Library Director Marjo Mello said.
Having been made possible through a joint collaboration between local public libraries and the Imperial County Office of Education, the new library feature has already begun to gain attention.
“We’ve had it for a few weeks where it went through a trial run and we fixed the kinks and we’ve had lots of people using it and depending on it already, but now we are ready to announce that it’s there and people can use it and count on it,” Mello said.
Celebrating their new broadband Internet launch, the Brawley Public Library will hold an event Saturday to inform the public about the new technology.
“Having free Wi-Fi available at the library during open hours enhances the capabilities of users to find the information they need,” offered Liz Lorenzen, Library Board President.
Library staff will be available to help access the network and answer questions regarding connectivity throughout the event, with a few devices also available for demonstration, including iPads, tablets and laptops.
The Friends of the Library will also host a book sale during the event for book lovers to browse.
For more information on the event contact the library at 760-344-1891.
If you go
What — Brawley Public Library launches Wi-Fi
When — 9 a.m. to noon Saturday
Where — Brawley Public Library 400 Main St., #1, Brawley
More information — Contact 760-344-1891
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