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This article focuses on the plans of many cities in the United States to offer citywide wireless Internet access and how it may effect libraries. Philadelphia mayor John F. Street recently appointed a committee to determine how Philadelphia might become the first large city in the United States to provide citywide wireless Internet access. While citywide Wi-Fi might still be a few years away, the initiative in Philadelphia-as well as smaller efforts to extend wireless access in Seattle, San Francisco, and Maryland's Eastern Shore-suggests an opportunity for the library. Elliot Shelkrot, director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, said the library was very pleased at the prospect of citywide Wi-Fi, but staff are still working on a paper on how it might affect library services. While the Free Library has no members on the wireless committee, the Seattle Public Library's Information Technology Department has been charged by the city to lead a plan for free wireless in four downtown parks. Pat Wallace, assistant director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, which manages SAILOR, the state's public information network, said that the network has been able to leverage E-rate discounts to expand the bandwidth in the state, whatever the best path.

Reports on a decision by the Metropolitan Library Commission in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to require that all library computers be filtered. Advice which was given from the American Library Association (ALA) regarding compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA); Comments of library spokesman Scott Carter; The library's earlier filtering of children's access.

Reports that the Jefferson Parish Council in Louisiana passed a law making it a crime to view sexually explicit or obscene Internet sites on library computers. Details of the ordinance; Vote of the council to put filters on library computers.

Discusses the advantages afforded by wireless Internet connections in libraries. The cost savings experienced with wireless Internet connections to Internet service providers (ISPs); What is required for libraries to make wireless connections; Installation; Projected cost.

The article reports on comments made by the American Library Association (ALA) has on the $7.2 billion in federal stimulus funds for broadband services. The ALA has recommended several steps for libraries to take to ensure they receive aid, including an inventory of Internet connectivity and telecommunication services.

Focuses on the debate of Internet filtering in the United States. Criticism of filters by groups such as EPIC and Peacefire; Belief of Texas Governor George W. Bush that there should be Internet filters where public money is spent, including public libraries and schools.

Focuses on the decision of the Herrick District Library in Holland, Michigan, to use filtering software on its Internet terminals. How a referendum to require such software in libraries was voted down; Michigan law, which requires libraries to prevent minors from accessing obscene or sexually explicit material; Limitations of the tap-on-the-shoulder policy the library had been using.

Reports that the Council of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana voted to filter all but one library computer in each branch. Proposal of a law that criminalizes access to obscene Internet sites in a public library.

Discusses the most effective ways to teach patrons about Internet use. Fundamental disconnect between the patron and the local library due to the patron's expectation that everything is on the Internet; Best way to teach about search engines; Advice on computer classes for seniors, starting with `Personalizing Your Computer'; Blocks between students and effective Internet use or searches.

Presents information from the reports by the Children's Partnership on the needs of underserved communities and the finding that the Internet contains very little content for these groups. Needs of the Internet including local information on employment and housing and information that can be understood by limited-literacy people; Importance of creating useful content on the Internet as well as providing computers and Internet connections; Role of libraries in providing the Internet to the underserved community.

Reports the Collin County, Texas Commission vote to withhold $32,500 in funds from the county's eight libraries. Reasons, including their lack of Internet filtering; Efforts by the Plano Library to regain funding; Other monies withheld as a result of lack of Internet filtering; Comments from Joyce Baumbach, director of the Plano Library.

Reports a decision that Georgetown Township Library in Jenison, Michigan should revert to an all-filtered access policy for the Internet. How House Bill 4191 prompted administrators to adopt a $100 policy for unfettered Internet access; Township officials declaring the law ambiguous enough to allow filtering; Concern of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Presents the opinions of the author about Internet filtering software that limits online access for students. Percent of Web sites that are blocked by the filters; Number of Web sites related to sexual health that are inaccessible; Opinion that filters cannot eliminate student access to Internet pornography and that when filters are at their most restrictive levels, relevant and essential student information is lost; Belief that filters should not prevent librarians from helping students find information; Discussion of who should control to what degree filters are set; Examination of filters in North Dakota and Pennsylvania.