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Christchurch City Libraries
work PO Box 1466,
Christchurch 8140,
New Zealand.
workp: +64-3-941-7923
faxf: +64-3-941-7075
urlw: christchurchcitylibraries.com

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LaptopFree WiFi at Christchurch City Libraries

Christchurch City Libraries offer free public wireless access.

See our WiFi Frequently Asked Questions and Christchurch City Libraries' Public WiFi Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy.

To access the service, you need a wireless-enabled laptop, PDA or phone (WiFi, 802.11b/g or WLAN). If you use a WLAN in your office or home, your existing hardware will enable you to access the service. Most new laptops and PDAs are now manufactured with internal WiFi facilities.

Where can you get WiFi?

Central See below for details about Central’s new wifi
New Brighton

wifi status
South wifi status
Upper Riccarton wifi status

New Wireless Service at Central Library

Due to increased demand for wireless at Central Library a new service was introduced at this library from Thursday 27 May 2010. The service remains free to use and available 24 hours a day.

The existing 200MB daily limit has been replaced with a maximum speed restriction of 1Mb/s and the existing welcome page replaced with a much simpler version. During periods of high demand, customers may experience speeds less than the 1Mb/s maximum.

Guide for Vista Users at Central Library.

How do you connect?

  • Switch on your laptop
  • Check the wireless network on your laptop is enabled
  • Your laptop should detect the Christchurch City Libraries wireless network
  • Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc)
  • You should be automatically directed to our Wi-Fi welcome page
  • You need to accept our terms and conditions before you proceed with using this service

If your wireless connection is enabled but you have trouble connecting / viewing websites

  • Check that no Proxy is set in the web browser (e.g. in Internet Explorer: Tools, Internet Options, Connections, LAN settings)
  • You do NOT have a fixed IP address i.e. DHCP enabled (network connections, properties)

Help policy

Christchurch City Libraries will only provide limited advice on how to connect to the WiFi service. Any configuration changes needing to be made to your equipment to enable you to use the service are your responsibility and are made at your own risk.

In using this service, you need to be aware that

  • You are responsible for the security of your computer
  • Access to certain sites may be limited by our public internet filter
  • The service only permits access to web-based email, not POP or SMTP email clients
  • There is a total traffic limit of 200MB per user within any 24-hour period at South, New Brighton and Upper Riccarton libraries.
  • Any inappropriate use which contravenes the CCL Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy may result in you being excluded from further use
  • You connect to the WiFi network at your own risk
  • Speed of service may be impacted by the number of users connected
  • WiFi service is available during library hours only at South, New Brighton and Upper Riccarton libraries.