Mundelein library to go wireless for its patrons.(Neighbor)

Byline: Russell Lissau Daily Herald Staff Writer

Laptop computer owners soon could have a new place to connect to the Internet in Lake County - and for free, to boot.

The Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein, is slated to become the latest locale offering wireless access to the World Wide Web.

Officials say the library's proposed wireless system - called Wi-Fi for short - will give patrons with appropriately equipped computers access to the Internet from any spot in the two-story facility.

"They can go in our quiet room, and we have desks tucked in corners overlooking the windows," library board member Janice Powell said. "It's all (about) customer service."

A launch date has not yet been set, but officials hope the Wi-Fi system will be operational by the end of September, board President Bill O'Brien said.

Computers must be outfitted with special wireless network cards to pick up a Wi-Fi signal. The signal is sent through a transmitter connected to a traditional computer modem.

Other local libraries offering free Wi-Fi access include the Cook Memorial facilities in Libertyville and Vernon Hills, the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire and the Antioch Public Library. Proponents say the systems relieve demand for library desktop computers and allow patrons to work more comfortably.

"This is going to give our patrons more flexibility and more access," O'Brien said. "And when families come to the library, the mom or dad can do their own work on a laptop in relative proximity to where their children are."

Many Lake County businesses offer Wi-Fi access, too, sometimes for a fee. Local commercial sites include Marriott hotels, Borders bookstores and Starbucks coffee shops.

Directories of such locations, called hot spots, can be found on the Internet on Web sites such as www.wi-fihotspotlist.com or www.wifi411.com. Powell believes Fremont's Wi-Fi service will bring more patrons to the facility.

"And once they get into the library and see how nice it is, they'll come back for other things," she said.