Free Wireless Access

You are invited to explore The New York Public Library's fast Internet network using your own wireless-enabled laptop computer. Free access is provided in all public areas in the WiFi-enabled libraries and at all times the libraries are open. Simply launch your Web browser. Your computer's home page will appear and you may begin surfing immediately.

Hardware Requirements

  • You will need a WiFi-compliant 802.11b wireless Ethernet device installed in your laptop or a laptop with built-in WiFi capability.

Software Requirements

  • Use a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape.
  • Set your TCP client software to obtain addresses automatically from a server.

Install and configure TCP/IP software by opening the Network icon in the Control Panel. Under Protocol settings, add TCP/IP. Set the IP address to obtain an IP address automatically. Leave all other fields blank. Restart the laptop for the changes to take effect.

Troubleshooting Windows NT, XP, and Windows 2000 Systems

  • Go to Start, Run and type: CMD. Click OK. A command prompt window will appear.
  • Type the following in the command prompt window:
    • ipconfig/all: Displays the full configuration information
    • ipconfig/release: Releases the IP address
    • ipconfig/renew: Renews the IP address

Troubleshooting Windows 95 and Windows 98 Systems

  • Go to Start, Run and type: WINIPCFG. Click OK. The IP configuration window will appear.
  • Click on the More Info button.

    If you are having an IP conflict, click on the Release All button to release the current IP and then click on the Renew All button.

Troubleshooting Apple Macintosh Powerbooks or iBooks

  • Your laptop must have the MacTCP Control Panel installed. This control panel comes with recent versions of the system software and should be pre-installed.
  • If you have other MacTCP configurations that you would like to save, MacTCP Switcher is a useful utility for storing several set-ups.
  • To configure your MacTCP, choose to Connect via Ethernet.

Limitations and Disclaimers

  • The Library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet.
  • Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.

The New York Public Library WiFi-Enabled Locations

Bronx Branches

Manhattan Branches

Staten Island Branches

Research Libraries