January 3, 2012 – Prince Edward Island residents can now access free wireless Internet in all public library branches as part of the provincial government’s commitment to enhancing library services and improving access to technology in rural areas, said tourism and culture minister Robert Henderson.

“This service will benefit Islanders who are not connected to the Internet at home, particularly in rural Prince Edward Island, as well as library members who take their laptops to their local branch to study or research,” he said. “In addition, many tourists visit our library branches looking for internet access and can now take advantage of this service.”

According to the government, the province is the first in the country to offer Wi-Fi in all public libraries. Islanders can log on to the wireless network at all 26 branches of the Prince Edward Island Public Library Service from their personal laptops or other portable devices with wireless capabilities. Library employees will provide users with a password necessary to access the network.

In addition to having computers available for use by library card holders, the branches offer computer courses and have eBooks and audio books available to borrow.