Starting this past Monday, the Olympia Library started offering free wireless access:

Timberland Regional Library (TRL) is pleased to offer free wireless Internet access to patrons in 24 TRL libraries in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties. Service began Monday, December 12. Access is available during each library’s regular open hours.

Wireless networking in the library offers patrons numerous benefits:

It allows patrons to bring their own laptop computers to the library where they can access the Internet and the library’s research databases, catalog, and other TRL Web page resources.

Patrons do not need to wait for an available library Internet computer.

It allows the public more computer and Internet access in the library, while saving the library the cost of buying additional computers.

Patrons can use their wireless computers in most areas of the library; they are not restricted to the designated library computer areas.

There is no charge for the service and it is not necessary to schedule time in advance.

This is not only important for us tech nerds who would like to hang out at the libraries more with our computers, but also for people who are interested in building viable Third Places in our community that aren't a Starbucks.

Now all we need to do is to convince them to follow in Palo Alto's footsteps and start loaning out laptops.