Free Internet Access
If your organization isn't already "wired" or doesn't even have a computer, getting online may seem too complicated or expensive to bother with. But don't dispair. It is increasingly easy to gain access through other public institutions -- like libraries -- for free.
Even if you have the required "hardware", a computer and a modem, you still may be worried about paying for access. Here too, the situation may be better than you think. Some services are available for free. Do some research in your community. Ask around about "FreeNets" that provide local community access to the internet. Also ask your local service providors about discounts for nonprofits; many commercial providers are willing to give substantial cost breaks.
When you find a place with free or discounted access near you, please give that information to any nonprofit group in your area that you think might need it.
Below are listed some free services that we are currently aware of and resources to help you locate others near you.
Email Accounts
The following companies offer free e-mail accounts.
Internet and WWW Access
Start with the St. Joseph County Public Libraries web site. It allows you to search for a Web connection at a public library near you. Look for the Search Form, and be sure to choose the WWW server option to find a library where you can use visit Impact Online.
If you want to muddle through a long list of libraries connected to the Web, go to the St. Joseph County Public Libraries List of Public Libraries with Internet Services.
Other web sites with similar purpose are:
- U.S. Public Libraries on theWWW .
- Berkeley's SunSITE page of California libraries on the Web.
- Or you can try Yahoo's Public Libraries page.
Other places to try for free connections are:
- The homepage for Community Technology Centers
- This page which will help you locate a Free-Net site near you
The following libraries have workstations in public areas from which connections to the Internet can be made:
- Brooklyn Public Library (NY)
- Broward County Libraries Division (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
- Camden County Library (Voorhees, NJ)
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (PA)
- Cedar Falls Public Libary (IA)
- Cleveland Public Library (OH)
- Harold Washington Library (Chicago, IL)
- Jefferson- Madison Regional Library (Charlottesville, VA)
- Livingston County Library (Chillicothe MO)
- Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (Charlotte, NC)
- San Francisco Public Library Main Branch (CA)
- Seattle Public Library (WA)
- Virginia Beach Public Library (Virginia Beach, VA)