library and other free internet

[steveh2112]

can someone tell me what, if any, restrictions there might be on spending hours a day in the library on the net with my own computer?

i assume you can sit there all day there right? and plug the laptop charger in too?

what about data blocking? do they block anything like youtubes, or downloads, or torrents?

my thought is to download a few youtubes or torrents in the day to watch back in the van in the evening, is there any problem with that plan?

i'm specifically interest in Boulder CO but in general what are the public libraries policy on that?

thx

 

[Almost There]

When I was on a 3 week road trip in Florida last winter I used my laptop at several different libraries and small town museums/welcome centers. Some required that I go in and get the current password for their wifi but all were quite happy to have me sit in my vehicle in the parking lot and use the internet. I didn't try downloading anything except to my ereader but had no problem with that. Some were open access including one that I pulled into the parking lot on a Sunday when they were closed just to see if I could get on line - success.

Some changed their password frequently, some had open access, each made up their own rules.

 

[SoulRaven]

In my experience it really depends on the library. Around here in Seattle some libraries don't mind at all if you spend all day in there with your laptop, whereas other libraries have signs up saying things like "no loitering; I'm you must leave if asked to do so by a librarian" that sort of a thing. They're the same libraries that explicitly prohibit any personal hygiene occurring inside the library restrooms, literally spelling out that you may not change your clothing, a time limit on how many minutes you may spend in the restroom, and other nonsense. Places like that I don't dare stick around more than an hour or two, and I make sure to participate in other ways, e.g. getting a card with them, placing items on hold, checking out items. This deflects any concern that I'm just sponging electricity and wifi.

McDonald's also has free wifi, sometimes accessible from the parking lot. Some Starbucks do too, I've also noticed this with some local cafés and even a hospital. Most places that offer it don't mind you plugging in the laptop so long as you patronize the business or, in the case of the hospital, have a legit reason to be there. I've never done any fancy torrent stuff but the only time I've experienced anything blocked was a non-profit hospital blocking anything with adult content.

It's really just something to play by ear. Every spot will have varying comfort levels on your presence and length/frequency of your visits.

 

[Wabbit]

I'm pretty sure you already know how they would feel about you downloading torrented movies...lol. I wouldn't suggest this, not because I have a problem breaking the law(imma rebel!), but because it will lead to the people/companies that offer access points to stop the service, or restrict it so much that the only thing you can do with it will be email. Just my 2 cents.

 

[LeeRevell]

I have found free wifi access here in my area at Burger King. Have seen some folks charging phones and tablets from the TV's USB port. The crew didn't seem to care.

 

[ccbreder]

Libraries and museums should not be used for "personal hygiene". Bus and train stations are a better choice.

 

[Canine]

Personal hygiene is best done in your vehicle, the health club, or a gas station.

Abusing the wifi at places will lead to it getting password protected or shut off. I make sure I purchase something and have my tray and receipt visible when sitting at McD's for a couple hours... I also don't hog the spots, I move once I'm charged up. At the McDs I often go to there's one, count it, one public plug in,probably originally meant for a vacuum or something...
There's a couple of guys there every morning during the week, they look like vandweller said but I never see their vehicle around, they squat for quite a while... That irritates others.

Between libraries, Starbucks, other coffee shops, Barnes and Noble, even malls there are places to recharge. "Tread lightly" isn't just a saying for backpackers...

 

[LeeRevell]

I charge my phone in my van. I rarely use Wifi as I still live in my S&B home. When traveling it's different. When staying once in a motel I plugged my phone charger in to the wall. They called my room saying they'd come by to take tbe charger! They apparently thought I was using THEIR charger. I set them straight but unplugged. Had my pocket sized USB battery unit and used it. My charger used far less power than the room's coffee pot.

 

[Canine]

Sad but true. I do admire that in the past I have wandered into a motel lobby, sat down at their sofa/chairs and plugged in, then left an hour later. I guess technically it was "theft of service" but I've quit doing it. I can always recharge somewhere. I have a briefcase with 2 Ankers 5600ma power bricks in it, I charge them up when I think it's safe to do so, that keeps the phone up for several days. This energy hog iPad 2 (yeah I'm cheap and fat, so what) is harder to keep charged, that's why it's usually only being used to post while plugged in someplace. My single wallyworld marine battery with a 700 watt inverter will keep the iPad charged too.