It’s been a months-long dogfight for staff in the Santa Cruz Public Library system as they’ve tried to obtain permanent wireless Internet service for patrons at the Scotts Valley Branch Library.
Comcast, the Internet provider that serves the building on Kings Village Road, has apparently dragged its feet in the process.
“The library staff has shown the patience of Job,” Councilman Jim Reed said. “They’re getting the runaround from the provider.”
The library opened in mid-June, with only limited access. Since then, a temporary fix by information technology staff has allowed an Internet connection via the library’s stationary computers, but somewhat spotty wireless.
Reed sits on the Library Joint Powers Authority board and has followed the progress.
“It’s been enormously difficult to get closure,” he said.
Originally, Comcast quoted the library system a $250,000 fee to get the building online, library director Teresa Landers said. The library, it seems, is outside the regular service area for Comcast, leading to the high price.
Landers said the library talked to Cruzio, another local provider, and explored all other options before Comcast came around.
“Comcast changed their mind,” she said.
The library received its Internet service connections from Comcast as of Aug. 16, according to a Comcast representative.
However, the library still must contract out the installation of wireless technology, because its I.T. staff is working on another project. The staff is updating security features on 24 new laptop computers before they can be made available for people to use.
As of Wednesday morning, Aug. 31, Landers did not have specific dates for when the wireless Internet and computers would be ready, although she hopes it will be within a week or two.
“We’re doing everything we can,” Landers said.
Wireless access is free at the library, and the laptops, once updated, can be checked out for use within the library grounds.
The Comcast account manager did not return calls this week seeking further information.
