By Timothy Dashiell
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Monday announced new exterior Wi-Fi service at public library branches to better support students and other residents without high-speed Internet access.
“This crisis has upended life in countless ways, and it requires us to find creative solutions to the challenges we face,” Olszewski said. “We hope these new WiFi resources will help narrow the access gap as we continue to work around the clock to identify additional resources to support Baltimore County families during these trying times.”
Baltimore County has 1,875 confirmed coronavirus cases with 44 deaths. Throughout the state, there are 13,684 cases and 516 deaths. Last week, the Maryland State Superintendent announced that school closures would be extended to May 15, leaving hundreds of students struggling to borrow or buy equipment to work at home.
Baltimore County has installed external WiFi at 10 new library branch locations: Catonsville, Essex, Hereford, Lansdowne, North Point, Randallstown, Rosedale, Towson, White Marsh and Woodlawn. Residents can now access free WiFi in the parking lots of branch locations across the county, the executive said.
Olszewski said that residents will be required to remain in their vehicles or otherwise adhere to all social distancing guidelines. These requirements will be strictly enforced, he said.
“Access to the Internet is critical, not just for work and homework, but also for our residents’ personal lives: checking in on friends and families is important to everyone right now,” said Baltimore County Public Library Director Paula Miller.
“Our Internet usage within our buildings is typically very high, so we know that there are many residents who may not have access at home. We are thrilled with this solution that enables us to utilize our parking lots to continue to provide Internet service,” said Miller.