by Allison Cavis, IT Specialist

These days, staying connected is more important than ever. We’ve been working to make sure Library patrons are logged in and powered up for all the things that matter, whether it’s for school or work, emailing family or relaxing with some streaming video.

Here are ways we’ve been working to help meet your everyday tech needs:

Outdoor places to charge up. The Library is surrounded by sunny benches, a long seating ledge near the front entrance, and the cool and shady Storytime Garden tucked in our building’s northwest corner. Now thanks to a visit from our friendly local electrician, long pipelines of power outlets are now available in each garden area. Look for the gray covers running along the garden walls. These outlets can be used by you, by students, or guests — anytime during daylight hours, even when the Library building is closed.

We’ve given our outdoor WiFi network a signal boost! You can access the free Estes Valley Library WiFi network from your socially-distanced car in the parking lot, from the seating around the library building, and even from the grassy bank of Black Canyon Creek! The parking lot north of the Library has an especially good signal.

Connecting is easy: no password, no time limits— our speedy 100 Mb/s connection is available 24/7. Completing the downtown WiFi map is the Town of Estes Park’s free Wapiti WiFi, which stretches from Town Hall into Bond Park. Look for both of these networks next time you’re enjoying downtown Estes Park.

We’re pleased to report we’ve had at least one successful job interview completed in the ‘great outdoors’ of our Storytime Garden. From browsing for fun to life’s big moments, the Library is here to help you with a comfortable spot for your next connection.