On October 1, 2011 our new $2.5 million building opened to the public.  It was funded entirely with private donations and community support.  Inside it were a bank of computers for public use with free WiFi and printers.  We were tech-savvy!

That was then, and this is now:  the internet speed back then was about 1 MBPS; it is now 200 MBPS.  Google appeared in 2011, and who would ever think of not using it now to find information? Many people work remotely from home, so Microsoft Office and other software has been developed to facilitate this. We use Google Maps to find our way, SnapChat to share photos, WhatsApp to message friends, Oculus to play virtual reality games, Netflix to binge movies/videos, Instagram to stay updated on what’s going on in our world and other technological applications too many to name.  Many people have abandoned the shopping malls and are making purchases online, with the number one seller being Amazon. 

Because of the many changes in the world of technology, the demand for faster internet, better computers and the requests from our patrons, a major upgrade was in order for the Library.  We listened and here is a list of what is new at the library:

• To make working on a laptop easier, two new high-top chairs have been added to the multi-tasking table near the North window in the library.
• As always, we have private rooms for sensitive meetings but now they have full WiFi in them
• State-of-the-Art presentation/meeting capabilities in the Foundation Room including Zoom meeting capabilities and a full AI webcam that auto tracks the presenter during the web meeting
• 8 brand new computers for public use
• Several of these computers have dual screens
• All 8 have USB hub adapters with Memory Card Readers that accommodate all five USB device ports (see photo below)
• All 8 have headphones to keep viewing experiences private
• All 8 have the following: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher), Adobe PDF Reader (can create PDFs with scanning feature), 3 different browsers (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Duck-Duck-Go), complete scanning opportunities (photos and documents)
• Unified Threat Protection to safeguard against malicious attacks/ransomware, virus while using the WiFi in the library
• For patron security, there is a complete wipe of the patron’s activities on the work station once they are finished using the computer

 
Our WiFi access has changed, too.  All patrons may access the WiFi connection free of charge at the library but must first agree to the user policy and enter the password: freewifi.  

And lastly, WiFi comes OUTSIDE!  Effective immediately, patrons can access WiFi from outside of the building 24/7.  Please be aware that there are security cameras around the building, so should there be any “suspicious activity” while you may be parked in your car after the library is closed, it will show up on our cameras. (Should you feel at risk of harm, please call 911).  We have also updated our lighting in the parking lot to help make it a safer place after dark.

Claire Crawford, Geneseo Public Library Director, said, “We have been saving for these upgrades and want to thank our generous donors who made this possible.  We still have more upgrades coming, but these are the most significant.”  

We at the Geneseo Public Library hope you will come to use the new computers, faster internet and free WiFi soon!

Any of these storage device products can be plugged into the patron hub adapters for the computers to retrieve their stored information