Maine Library Threatening to Shut Off Wi-Fi Over Illegal Internet Activity

A few decades ago, it seemed like technology was going to kill the public library.

After all, if you had the internet on your phone, why would you need a building filled with clunky old books?

In the end, most libraries adapted to the changing world.  While they still have shelves of books, they also loan out movies, games, and music.  As more schools are adopting online portals for doing assignments, public libraries have also become the go-to spot for students whose families lack home internet.

This is also true for our older loved ones on a fixed income.

Sadly, because of some actions, it may become more difficult for students and low-income residents to access the internet in one Maine town.

According to an article on the WABI website, the library in the Aroostook County town of Fort Fairfield may shut off wi-fi access outside of normal business hours because people have been using the wi-fi for illegal downloads.

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The town reportedly has records of when the downloads occurred and what was downloaded.

The downside of restricting access is that people won't have the convenience of accessing the wi-fi when they have time.  For example, a student who wants to take care of some homework later in the evening.

Fort Fairfield town manager Tim Goff said:

We really don’t want to turn the Wi-Fi off because it’s accessible to folks 24/7 but ultimately if were faced with the prospect of losing all internet service because somebody or some people are downloading illegal content then we will make the move to turn the Wi-Fi off outside of business hours.

Hopefully, the person or people who are doing this will stop so that they can continue to leave the wi-fi on 24-hours a day.