I was on my 277mile/363kms Birthday Biketour from El PasoTX to Las CrucesNM to HatchNM (turnaround point), observing a very pleasant train depot re-purposed into the public library, not yet knowing how incredibly important this institution is to the community. Crossing the tracks, I was extremely disappointed that "free" WiFi was not available virtually anywhere here.
However, dynamic David, Curator of the local museum, informed me that the public library has free WiFi. Good thing it was during the workweek (I was biketouring 28-31AUG2019, and VERY GLAD to not have to share extremely congested roads during the annual Chile Festival every Labor Day 24 hours later!), when both the library and the outstanding museum were open.
I pedaled back to the beautiful library, going inside to meet dynamic director Alice/her staff, who only asked that I apply for a library card to receive the password. Like the incredible public libraries in Texas, access to WiFi increases contact to the World, as well as the immediate area.
[As an aside, the very amiable Alice mentioned her daughter playing a volleyball game at ChaparralNM; I replied good wishes for her daughter, that I had pedaled by the relatively new school the day before whilst going over Anthony Gap.]
Alice also commented that many bicyclists stop here (the library) strictly for the WiFi access--just like me! In fact, I spent most of he night sitting on the front steps, utilizing their truly free WiFi! Interestingly, I noted that many locals will motor into the parking lot & stop, also accessing this wonderful service. Alice/her staff/Hatch Public Library certainly have my coveted "Wheel of Approval!" read more