Access Wi-Fi & Reserve a Computer

In response to the impacts of COVID-19, the WA State Commerce Dept has partnered with agencies across the state on the Drive-In Wifi hotspots project to provide and map out locations across Washington to help people who may not have broadband service in their homes.  All the TRL branches are on this map as well as the PUD and other locations where hotspots can be accessed. Access is available to all residents with specific emphasis on remote learning for students. Additionally, this service can be used for job searches, telehealth, telework, unemployment filing, and census participation.

WA State Wi-Fi Hot Spot Location Finder

Wi-Fi Internet Access

Timberland Regional Library (TRL) provides free wireless access (Wi-Fi) to the Internet in all TRL libraries. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using Wi-Fi in the library.

Which Timberland libraries offer Wi-Fi?

• Wi-Fi access is available in all TRL libraries.

What hours is the Wi-Fi service available?

• Daily 6:00am - midnight.*

*Hawks Prairie Timberland Library Wi-Fi service is available daily 6:00am - 9:00pm.

What do I need to use Wi-Fi at the library?

• TRL uses the Wi-Fi standard known as IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n.
• You need to bring your Wi-Fi capable laptop, tablet or other mobile device to the library.
• Devices should automatically get settings from our servers (DHCP), and custom network settings (especially DNS) will not work properly, and will not be supported.
• Most Wi-Fi equipment should work but TRL cannot guarantee that your equipment will be compatible with the library’s Wi-Fi network.

Do I need a login and password to connect?

• No login or password is required to connect to the TRL Wi-Fi network. Just look for "trlguest" in the list of available networks on your device.

Can library staff help me configure my computer?

• Library staff do not provide technical assistance for connecting to the Wi-Fi network.
• Everyone’s computer hardware and software are different so you are responsible for knowing how to configure and restore the settings on your own computer or device.
• TRL is not responsible for any changes you make to your device settings.
• If you need assistance, you may need to contact your hardware or software manufacturers.

Can I access the library catalog and reference databases?

• Most laptops and tablets and many other mobile devices will let you access the library catalog and reference databases from the TRL home page. Because you are "inside" the library's network, you do not need a library card to access the reference databases.

Are there any restrictions on my use of the Internet?

• There is no time limit on Wi-Fi sessions.
• Wi-Fi reception and connection speeds are affected by your distance from the TRL Wi-Fi equipment and by barriers such as brick walls, metal bookshelves, stairways and people. The number of computers in use in the local library and traffic on the wider Internet may also affect speed. Reception and speed may improve if you move to a different location in the building.
• All Wi-Fi Internet access goes through TRL’s Internet content filter which blocks Internet sites that contain adult content. There is no provision for turning off the filter on the Wi-Fi network.

Can I print while using Wi-Fi?

• Yes, You can use MobilePrint with your Wi-Fi device in all TRL libraries.
• Although the TRL Wi-Fi service hours are 6 am to midnight* at most locations, 7 days/week, you can only release print jobs during your local library's open hours. *Wi-Fi service hours may vary by branch, contact your local library for more information.
• You are required to use your own TRL Library Card, Internet Card, or Visitor Card to use MobilePrint.
• For more information, see Access Mobile Printing.

Is my information safe while using Wi-Fi?

• The library’s Wi-Fi network is not encrypted or guaranteed to be secure from interception. Information sent to or from your device could be intercepted by anyone within three hundred feet with a Wi-Fi device and with the appropriate software. Keep this in mind if you are accessing sensitive business or personal information. It is recommended that you access private web information only through a secure browser connection with SSL enabled.
• It is recommended that you not enable file sharing or print sharing when using a public shared network. If you do so, other people may be able to gain access to your hard drive and files or misuse your device.
• You should have have up-to-date virus detection software installed on your laptop, tablet or mobile device.

Electrical Outlets

• Plan to have the battery for your laptop, tablet or mobile device fully charged when you come to the library.
• Some libraries have electrical outlets available that you can plug your device into, other libraries have none.

Does the library have computers I can use?

• Yes! All of our libraries have public computers and printers. Usage of the public computers is handled through a PC reservation system called Pharos.

Pharos Signup PC Reservation System

To reserve an Internet PC, please visit this link or select your branch from the map below.

Timberland uses the software Pharos to reserve and manage time on Internet computers.

• Advance reservations for 1 hour sessions.
• Automatic computer session extensions.

Reserve a Computer - Click Here 

If this is the first time you have reserved a computer with Pharos, Click here to read the instructions.