Phoenix Public Library offers free Internet access on Reserved PCs and Express Workstations. Library customers are limited to 1 hour blocks of time on Reserved PCs.

The Library uses filtering technology on all computers with Internet access. If a customer wishes to access a site that is blocked by filtering software, that customer may request Library staff to unblock the site. If a customer believes that a site has been blocked by the filtering software incorrectly, the customer may request a reclassification of the site.  Requests may be made online and are reviewed within 48 hours.  Customers who provide an email address will be informed of the disposition of their request. 

Wireless Access

Free Wireless Internet is available for your Notebook / Laptop / PDA. Hot spots are currently available in the open areas at all Phoenix Public Library locations.

Users must have an 802.11 b/g wireless network interface card installed and configured in their laptop, PDA or other wireless device in order to access the wireless public Internet.

The free service is provided as a convenience and you should be aware that use of it is at your own risk. Wireless transmissions may present a data security risk, and we advise against using the wireless public Internet to conduct personal or business transactions such as banking where sensitive account information and other personal data could be compromised.

When using the wireless public Internet you will need to be prepared to provide your own power source. Electrical outlets are limited in some locations.

If you have trouble accessing the wireless public Internet because of configuration issues or technical problems with your wireless device, please see the troubleshooting tips listed below or contact your personal or business-provided technical support for assistance. City employees are not allowed to provide computer assistance for personal equipment.

How to Connect to the Wireless Internet:

NOTE: You must complete steps two through four even if using a VPN.

1. Turn on laptop or Internet-ready device.
2. Make sure your laptop wireless capability is enabled. On some PCs you may have to enable the connection first.
3. Launch the Web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari).
4. The wireless public Internet welcome page will appear on the screen.
5. Click on the "Accept" button once the terms and conditions detailed on the welcome page have been read. You must do this to access the wireless public Internet.

1. Reboot your system.
2. If you are unable to scan for the SSID, you may have to manually enter it. Follow the directions included with your card and enter the following SSID: library-customer-wifi
3. Your browser settings may be incorrect.
   Double check your browser settings - the system may be trying to connect through a proxy server. This is common in situations where the computer may be accessing a corporate LAN. The proxy server settings must be disabled to access the wireless public Internet. For Microsoft Internet Explorer users, please follow these steps. Other browsers will have slightly different controls: In the menu bar, click "Tools" and then click "Internet Options". Click on the "Connections" tab, then the "LAN Settings" button. Remove the checkmark from the box labeled "Use a proxy server" and click "OK."
4. The system may be trying to connect through a dial-up connection.
   For Microsoft Internet Explorer users, please follow these steps. Other browsers will have slightly different controls: In the menu bar, click "Tools" and then click "Internet Options". Click on the tab marked "Connections". Under "Dial-Up Settings", record which options are selected in case you need to re-enable the dial-up connection as it was before. Click the option "Never dial a connection". Click "APPLY" then click the "OK" button.
5. There may be a conflict with the IP address.
   You must release and renew your IP address. For instructions, please refer to Automatic IP Configuration for your operating system listed below.
   
   For Windows 98
   To release an IP address and allow the network to assign a new IP address, complete the following steps: From the desktop, click the "Start" button and select "Run". Type "winipcfg" in the field and click "OK". If PPP Adapter is listed, click on the down arrow at the end of the field and select your wireless network card. This name will be dependent on the brand of network card you purchased. Once your wireless device appears in the field, click the "Release" button. Click the "Renew" button.
   
   For Windows 2000 and XP
   Click the Start button and select Run. Type "command" in the text box and click OK. At the DOS prompt, type "ipconfig/all" and press Enter. At the DOS prompt type "ipconfig/release" and press Enter. At the DOS prompt type "ipconfig/renew" and press Enter.
   
   For Windows Vista
   Click the Start button; type "command prompt" in the Start Search text box, and press Enter. Under Programs, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator. At the DOS prompt, type "ipconfig/release" and press Enter. Type "ipconfig/renew" and press Enter.
   
   
6. Another PCMCIA Network card may be conflicting with your wireless card.
   Remove the other card and reboot the system.
7. You may have corrupted drivers.
   Unfortunately, you may need to reinstall the drivers from your hardware manufacturer's driver disk. Please contact the technical support of your device for assistance.