Duluth computer/internet labs
The Duluth Public Library is working on updating its list of places (other than the library) where patrons can access computers for internet access, word processing, etc.
Even with expanded hours coming, it’s good to give folks options if they aren’t near a library, need access when the library is closed, or have used up their computer time for the day.
The library has a pretty good list going, but I thought we could crowd-source a bit and see if anyone out there can suggest additions. We know about local colleges (UMD, St. Scholastica, and Lake Superior College) that offer some level of access to non-students, as well as the UPS store, which offers computer time for a fee. What are we missing? Where else can we refer our patrons?
Thanks!
Jeremy Osgood
Duluth Public Library
PDD has a list of some, although it’s certainly not comprehensive.
WITC-Superior has public Wi-Fi available. Wisconsin residents can get access to internet resources at WITC and UW-Superior with an I.D. card.
The library’s list isn’t a list of WiFi places, it’s a list of places that have computers the public can use to access the Internet.
Randy’s restaurant in the West End had a few old laptops that customers could use to access the Internet several years ago, but I’m not sure if that’s still going on.
Well you can use a computer for free at any those places on that list. The only stipulation is that you need to steal a computer first.
I’ll try to actually read the post next time before commenting.
At least one of the Old Chicago restaurants in the Twin Cities has a couple of computers available to use for internet access, perhaps the Duluth one does as well?
As someone who uses the library for wifi sometimes, seeing that list at the library would rock.
Too.
Do the workforce centers offer any computer service?
When my dad was a patient at St. Mary’s I used the wi-fi in their library and my sister was able to use a computer (I think they have 10-12). They were open pretty late too.
Most of the Duluth Clinic/St. Mary’s/Miller Dwan areas are covered by free wi-fi.
Most of the places around town that would have “public” access to a computer with an internet connection are actually private. You would need to be a “client” of an agency to use the resources. i.e. C.H.U.M. , Community Action Duluth, The Salvation Army, SOAR Career Solutions, etc. I do not recall any internet cafe style places where you could use/rent some time on a PC.
Wow. Great response, and a lot of good leads to follow up on. I was mostly looking for places with computers available for public access, but WiFi access for folks with laptops and other devices is good information for us to have, too. Thanks for the help, Duluth!
Jeremy Osgood
Duluth Public Library
There is one public computer at Red Mug Coffee House.
Jeremy, do you think you could post your list here?
Does Amazing Grace still have a computer?
No, there’s not a public computer at A.G.. At least not that I’ve ever seen, and I’m there a good bit.
There are a few computers at the Sheraton, sometimes I check them when I am at their bar or at 301.
Public terminals seem to be disappearing because (a) they end up turning into pornbot/spam zombie/keylogger traps and (b) more people just want Wi-Fi for the devices they already have.
* Carmody no longer has a public terminal for this reason.
* LSC used to have labs that were unlocked regularly.
* On other campuses, depending on the instructor, you can sit quietly in the back unnoticed.
* Many hotels in the area have a PC in their lobby that doesn’t require login. Added bonus: hit up the pool after you’re done.
Obviously, don’t use any of these to login to your online banking.
I spent a few years teaching ESL in S. Korea, and 24-hour computer rooms are really common. It would be nice to start picking up that kind of thing here.