Public Computing/Wi-Fi

Use a Public Computer

Computers with internet access are available for public use at Chelsea District Library. Computer users are required to login with their library card and pin number for the wired workstations.

Please visit our policy page and review 450 Internet Access & Public Computing Use Policy.

General policies regarding use of the library’s computers:

• Computer use is limited to 60 minutes if others are waiting. If no one is waiting at the end of your 60-minute session, you may have an extended session.
• Be sure to save what you are working on regularly, as any work you have saved on the computer and your history of visited web sites will be deleted when your session ends
• If all computers are full, you may reserve a computer at the reservation station. When you are assigned a computer, you have ten minutes to log on before you forfeit your reservation.

Printing & Fees:

Chelsea District Library provides printing services for patrons. Both color and black-and-white printing options are available on the second floor.

• Black and White Printing: 15 cents per page
• Color Printing: 50 cents per page

Users will need to pay and release their print jobs at the print release station located near the printer on the second floor.

Detailed Printing Instructions

Internet Filter

Internet access on library computers is filtered for those under 18 years old in compliance with Michigan Public Act 212. Wireless Internet access on a patron’s personal laptop is unfiltered. Librarians are available to provide help with access to and use of computers.

Chelsea District Library uses an advanced filtering system called OpenDNS. By employing this technology, the library is able to comply fully with Michigan Public Act 212 of 2000.

Find out more about the categories that are filtered.

Connect to the Wi-Fi

Chelsea District Library provides free wireless internet access, should you wish to connect to the internet using your personal device.

You can also connect your device to the library’s network using the Ethernet (RJ-45) cables that are located at the tables on the second floor.

To connect your device to the library’s network, you will need to connect to the Public Wi-Fi network. Next open any browser and you’ll be directed to our internet use policy. Just click or tap on Continue to the internet to get access to the internet.

Please click here to find out more information on how to print from your device. Please visit our privacy policy page for Computer Use Policy.

Borrow a Hotspot

AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon hotspots are available for checkout. Click here to see the hotspots available in our collection or to place a hold.

View Hotspots in Catalog

CDL Hotspot Holds & Circulation

Chelsea District Library makes Wi-Fi hotspots available to our patrons for checkout. The main goal is to allow this collection of hotspots to circulate to patrons so that they can explore which vendors’ device would work best in their area and reliably purchase one for their own use. Currently, the Library’s hotspot collection includes service from multiple providers.

Due to the high demand, we have created a practice statement regarding how these devices checkout to provide more equitable access. We hope to reach as many people as possible. These hotspots are intended:

• for trial purposes to determine which vendors’ device would work best in their area;
• for temporary needs (i.e. Vacations);
• for students (temporary usage).

Hotspots are not intended to provide patrons with regular permanent Wi-Fi access.

In order to provide equal access and distribution of the hotspot collection the following practice will be applied:

Holds:

• Only four checkouts are allowed per household per year.
• Only one hold per household at a time.
• Holds not picked up within 7 days will be released as per standard procedure.

On a daily basis staff will:

• Review all holds on the hotspot collection.
• Reduce holds of households that exceed the limit.
• Release holds on devices not picked up within 7 days.

Checking out a CDL Hotspot

• Ask if a hotspot is available at the Check Out Desk.
• 3 week checkout, no renewals.
• Hotspots not returned on their due date will be marked lost on the patron’s account, turned off, and could result in loss of checkout privileges.
• Return the hotspot to our Checkout Desk. DO NOT return to another library or put the hotspot in the book drop.

Using a CDL Hotspot

• Turn the hotspot on (see instructions in case for details).
• On your device (computer, tablet, phone etc) go to your Wi-Fi settings and connect to the Wi-Fi signal that matches your hotspot. Find the password on the screen of the hotspot or in the laminated instructions inside the case.

NOTES

• You DO NOT need to unlock the hotspot or login to the hotspot. You just need to turn it on.
• The hotspot connects to either the AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon network. If the area you are in does not receive signal from those networks the hotspot will not work.
• Signal strength will show up as bars in the upper right hand corner of the hotspot screen.

More Information

• Devices connected to the same hotspot cannot communicate directly for security reasons.
• Each hotspot can support up to 10 devices connecting to them at once and have 30-40 foot range.
• “If the hotspot is lost or damaged the Library will deactivate the data plan on the device and will charge the patron the cost for replacement. The entire hotspot kit (hotspot, cable, charging block, and case) costs $160 for T-Mobile, $230 for Verizon and $230 for AT&T to replace.
• Hotspots only work in the continental United States—does not work internationally.
• Hotspots are meant to be placed on a table or shelf. Please do not tape or adhere the devices to any surface.
• Data usage: The broadband providers impose and enforce data & speed limits after approximately 4GB of data use. While data will be available for simple activities like email and basic web browsing, download speeds will be limited by the service provider for high data activities like online gaming or video streaming. 4GB of data should allow for approximately 4–5 hours of online gaming, OR 5 or 6 full length feature films, OR about 8–10 half hour TV shows. Because data availability is dependent on usage, CDL does not guarantee data will be available for the entire three-week borrowing period.
• Returns: Please return hotspots to the Check Out Desk. Hotspots not returned on their due date will be marked lost on the patron’s account, turned off, and could result in loss of checkout privileges.

Washtenaw County Broadband Updates

Washtenaw County is in the process of making broadband universally accessible. Visit Washtenaw County’s MapWashtenaw website for more information. On the interactive map, go to the “layers” tab and click on the “Broadband Gap Project” to get updates on timelines for broadband to be added to your address.