The L.A. County Library is offering new free outdoor Wi-Fi and bolstering its library of Spanish-language films for kids.
At branches offering the Park & Connect program, free wireless coverage has been extended to include the parking lots. With libraries closed, this will allow families without reliable internet services at home a chance to do schoolwork, apply for a job, or simply connect with friends and family. It’s also handy for completing essential tasks such as ordering groceries and household supplies.
The Library’s Park & Connect program allows anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled device to get connected with ease. Just park in a designated parking spot and use your device within your car. If you do not have a car, you may sit within 25 feet of the library to use the Wi-Fi network. Masks and social distancing of at least 6 feet are required if you are sitting outside. Accessing the network is simple. Using a laptop or mobile device, choose the network CountyLibraryWiFi, accept the terms of agreement, and then close and reopen your browser. A library card is not required to access the network.
There are currently 32 sites offering free Wi-Fi in the parking lot, with additional sites being added on in 2021. For a list of participating locations and more information about Park & Connect, visit LACountyLibrary.org/Wi-Fi.
L.A. County Library is also operating 79 sidewalk service locations that offer curbside pick-up for customers. Customers ages 18 and up can also check out a laptop and hotspot kit for use at home for three weeks—just like a book—with the opportunity to renew up to three times if there are no holds.
One popular – and free – service that families can enjoy through the library is access to Kanopy, a free video and film streaming platform offering must-see classics, world cinema, contemporary favorites and kids programming. The Kanopy app is available on all major streaming devices, including Apple TV, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast and Roku.
The service has just added a dozen Spanish-language videos from Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, and 30 films from Highlights to Kanopy Kids. This carefully curated collection now includes a growing selection of more than 1,500 educational, age-appropriate videos with parental controls covering topics from STEM to history and story time.
The new selection of Spanish-language videos from Sesame Workshop include Listos a Jugar, a series designed to help children cultivate healthy habits, starring Elmo and friends as they “eat healthy, move, and play!” Sample titles in the series include:
- Listos a jugar: A que jugaban papa y mama
- Listos a jugar: Bañarse
- Listos a jugar: El plato de Elmo no tiene verde
Covering topics such as imagination, bonding with family, and adventure stories, the new collections of videos from Highlights include:
- Did You Know? series
- Animal Adventures
- Ready, Set, Snow!
- Imagine That!
Check out the library’s great resources to help your family get things done – and have fun – for free.
