Is this stealing?

[HSMom]

The other day, we had no power here, so I took my kids to the public library to do school. (We homeschool.) I took along my computer, because it has my lesson plans on it, and just for the heck of it, I put my wifi card in, and BINGO, discovered that there was a wifi connection available! So I used it. Is that stealing, when I am in a public place and hop onto their connection like that? I mean, they don't advertise that they are a wifi hotspot, so I suspect they aren't encouraging people to bring their laptops, but then they don't block people who do... Just wondered if maybe I did a no-no and next time I should ask before using it.

[Delaney]

As long as you're inside the library it probably isn't stealing since the library's internet connection is there for you to use. However, I would still mention it to them, because what if it's a strong enough signal for neigbors to be picking up? The neighbors shouldn't have internet at the library's expense. I'd mention it to them just to make sure they knew about it. If, at that point, they still do nothing at least you'll know you did the right thing.

[HSMom]

I guess I could mention it to them, but where the library is situated, there aren't many homes or businesses anywhere near. Also, it is a big marble/granite building, and you can't even get a cell phone signal in there, so I really doubt that they are inadvertently sharing their signal outside the library. I suppose I should just ask if the wifi is intended for public use there, but I am afraid they will say no, LOL!

[Socks]

That's probably how your library runs it's own computers. Since it's safe to say nobody around is going to be able to steal their connection, then it's probably just easier for them to do it that way. If they saw you with a laptop and didn't stop you at the door, I would just assume it's not a problem. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Dew]

It would probably have not crossed my mind to say anything. I would just assume if you can connect to their internet then they meant for you to be able to do that. I don't think they worry about people who come in their library using their connection, cause you'd be using their connection if you were on their computer. I think it's okay. I probably would not mention it.

[Reader1]

Does your library offer internet access to patrons on the library's computers? If so, I can't imagine that they would have any problem with you using their wireless to connect to the internet on your own computer. Among other things, that is one less computer tied up, but they are still providing their patron (you) with access to information, which is what the library is all about, right?

[Ziggy]

Next time you take your laptop in there, just stop at the desk and ask them "is there an internet connection available to me on my laptop". If they say "no", then it's not intended for you to use. If it's meant for you to be able to use it, they'll tell you. I don't think I'd admit to having used it before. It's not like you intentionally stole anything from them, it was just there.

[Netizen]

As it's a public library,I'd think you are okay.Just to be on the safer side,I'd ask them before using the wifi connection , but if they allow you to bring along your laptop then I guess they already know that you could be using their connection and they don't mind.

[stoneman]

No is not stealing. At my local public library there a lot of peoples that bring their laptops and use the internet. Also I use internet wherever I can find. Once my internet connection when down. And I went outside and I found a network.

Well in my opinion if at the library was a no-no then they should secure the internet. They could easly put a password and you would not be able to use it

[Slim420]

It would depend I would think.....My local library has computers setup so that you can go to the library and use the internet if you don't have a computer or an internet connection. They also have a wifi just in case all of the computer's are being used, you could bring your own!!! Actually they encourage it!! Due to the popularity of it, the computer's are almost always full!! So, the more people with laptop's the better the chances of there being an open computer (doesn't work like that though).