San Bernardino receives grant to upgrade library internet system

The City of San Bernardino’s public libraries will receive a much needed upgrade to their internet systems thanks to a grant from the California State Library.

The City was awarded nearly $20,000 from the California Library Connect Program to replace broadband hardware at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library, which acts as the central hub for internet connectivity distribution to all four Libraries in the City.

The new equipment will allow data speed upgrades of 1 gigabit per second, marking a significant increase from Library’s current capacity.

San Bernardino Libraries offer 62 PC’s for public use along with free wi-fi and provide critical access for residents without internet service in their homes. Library patrons often use the internet access for job searches, homework, or to stay in contact with others.

The City has entered into an agreement with Columbia Telecommunications to install the upgrade and maintain the system.

The California Library Connect Program (formerly the High-Speed Broadband in California Public Libraries) supports California public libraries by connecting them to high-speed internet. Since 2015, California Library Connect has connected over 90 percent of its public library jurisdictions.