FT. LAUDERDALE – Broward County Libraries Division, in partnership with AT&T and Broward County Enterprise Technology Services, is now offering customers free Internet and telephone access to Haiti as well as to agencies currently assisting in the earthquake-relief efforts. This program is available until March 31.
Additional computers and data and phone lines have been installed at North Lauderdale Saraniero Library (6901 Kimberly Blvd., North Lauderdale, 954-968-3840); Pompano Beach Branch (1213 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, 954-786-2181); and Tamarac Branch (8701 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac, 954-720-2282). Study rooms at these three locations have been converted into information access centers.
During this program, customers can place free, 10-minute phone calls to Haiti at the three libraries. Toll-free 800-number service is also provided at no charge, as are Internet connections. Demand for this program is expected to be high. AT&T is reporting that, despite the devastation to Haiti’s infrastructure, 30 to 40 percent of the phone calls are getting through.
Additionally, customers can use BCL public computers at all library locations to access helpful Internet sites, including the U.S. State Department (state.gov), Haiti.911.com, and other earthquake-relief sites. Free wireless WI-FI (on customer-provided equipment) is also available at BCL locations countywide. Access to the BCL public computers and WI-FI is a constant service available at all BCL library locations during open hours.
