Sydney Johnson writes: “Free Wi-Fi is a staple service of public libraries everywhere today. It’s also become a fixture of local debate around how to address homelessness in one pocket of San Francisco. Last August, the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk branch cut off its Wi-Fi after hours, despite a simultaneous citywide push to increase internet access for San Franciscans with lower incomes. City and library officials said the change was made after neighbors in the area complained that the free Wi-Fi was part of what attracted unhoused people to the area and contributed to crime.”
KQED-TV (San Francisco), June 5; Mission Local (San Francisco), May 29