Connect To WiFi
When visiting one of our branches, we know you may want to go online, whether to look up books, do research on our databases, catch up on the latest news, or otherwise. The Albany Public Library provides a free wireless network for visitors to use.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wireless Access
How do I connect to the library’s wireless network?
Click the Wi-Fi icon near your desktop clock to see a list of access points. Under Windows XP, you may need to right-click it and choose “View Available Wireless Networks.”
At the Washington Ave. Branch, connect to the access point named Washington Ave Library from the popup list. At other branches, there are similarly-named access points (Bach, Howe, etc.) that will appear in the pop-up list.
I am a frequent library patron and used to be able to connect to the Wi-Fi at the Washington Avenue Branch, but not anymore.
We’ve recently changed the name of the access points at all branches. Your device is probably trying to connect to the old access point name. You can delete the old access point name from your saved list.
I am still having trouble connecting to the wireless network!
Some Windows laptops from Dell, Lenovo and HP try to use their own Wi-Fi utility instead of the built-in tool from Microsoft. Try switching it to use the Windows built-in utility instead. This can usually be enabled by right-clicking on your 3rd-party management utility icon (near the clock) and choosing “Use Windows to manage Wi-Fi”.
Why isn’t your network secured?
In order to keep the wireless connection process as simple and uncomplicated as possible, APL provides unsecured, unencrypted Internet access. This is the norm for free public wireless access. You should keep this in mind when transferring sensitive and private information, such as using your bank’s online services or websites like PayPal, when using any public hotspot. You can type the prefix https:// instead of http:// to access a more secure version of most webmail providers’ sites (example: https://www.gmail.com).
Can anyone else on the wireless network access the files on my computer?
No, our wireless network does not allow users to see any other computers on the network.
Can I print to the library’s printers from my wireless device?
We do not support printing from your personal laptop over the wireless connection. You can print from the library’s public access computers. See a staff member for assistance.
Can library staff set up my laptop for me?
Library staff members are not authorized to make changes to your equipment. We can provide setup instruction sheets for supported devices.
What mobile devices does the library staff officially support?
Microsoft: Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8), Surface Tablet, Windows Phone
Apple: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac OS X
Android: Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy, Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, Droids, HTC
Unsupported Devices:
Linux laptops, BlackBerry, older versions of Windows. Please note these devices may work with Wi-Fi but staff cannot assist with setup or usage.
My iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch just refuses to connect.
Try resetting the network settings cache: Click Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Then reconnect to the Wi-Fi access point. Also, try “forgetting” the access point and connect to it again: Click Settings > Wi-Fi > Main Library Wireless > Forget This Network.