Deichmanske Bibliotek - Oslo's main public library - has a free wireless network. I found this out a few weeks ago and tried it for the first time last week and I am back with my Mac today. I am quite a regular visitor to the library anyway, now I just have to remember to bring my iBook. This is quite easy, for as I wrote of my first impression of the iBook, it is conveniently small.
As I am writing this in the library, I am surrounded by very few who have brought their own laptops. This is a bit sad, but I suppose it reflects the fact that many come to use a computer (They are eMacs) as they do not have one of their own and that those with a laptop and an interests in using free wireless, would rather be in a cool café.
While I am at it. I love the new features of the library. Not only free network connection but also the DVDs. I am usually here for the books (I am reading Balzac at the moment) and CDs, but today I have borrowed It's a Wonderful Life and The Importance of Being Earnest. Being a member of the library is free and open for all Norwegian residents and borrowing is free as well. This includes CDs and DVD (and VHS and CD-ROM). I do not know how this compares with other countries, but in St Andrews these things were not free of charge and I find it wonderful. I buy (too) many books and a few DVDs and CDs, but my interest in books, films and music is wider than what I care to buy. I feel it is wonderful that the public library is become modern.
Carl Deichman donated his private collection of books to Oslo (Christiania) in 1780 and this was the start of a public library in Oslo. I believe it is in his spirit that the library now can offer new media.
