The Toronto Public Library is an undeniably important public space in this city. Beyond offering a sanctuary for quiet study and learning, library branches provide after-school programming for youth as well as settlement information and language resources for newcomers. It’s little wonder that this fall, even as he was threatening budget cuts, David Miller remarked: "Our libraries are where people become Torontonians." Striving to remain relevant and innovative, the public library constantly introduces new programs,......

Are you tired of study sessions completely uninterrupted by YouTube clips? Have you resorted to reading books and periodicals rather than maintaining a constant vigil over your Facebook profile? If this behaviour sounds familiar to you, and you live near one of these locations (that is Agincourt, Albion, Albert Campbell, Bridlewood, Centennial, Eatonville, Flemingdon Park, Gerrard/Ashdale, Lillian H. Smith, Mimico, Morningside, North York Central, Parkdale, Parliament, Richview, Riverdale, Toronto Reference, Woodside Square, and York......

The funny-looking "keg" antennas have been appearing atop street lamps around the city since last year, and it looks like One Zone, Toronto Hydro's plan to blanket the city with wireless internet, is bearing fruit. According to the Globe, the City-owned utility says that the network is already a resounding success—a significant achievement since similar installations in major U.S. cities are failing. The reason for this is based on how the network was implemented:......

Spring appears to have, er, sprung, at least temporarily, in most of the Ist-A-Verse, so naturally, we're all feeling pretty good. (Yes, we know that spring doesn't officially start till later this month. Just let us enjoy our weather!) And that makes us that much more eager to share all of the nifty things we're up to... Over at Sampaist, spring has more than sprung: it's sweltering! But, as everyone knows, museums are an ideal......

On Tuesday, Wireless Toronto (everybody's favourite community wireless group) held its very first Hacknight. In this new year, Wireless Toronto will be doing more than just setting up free wifi in public places; they're starting a series of group tech-project hacknight get-togethers. Beer, wires, routers, cordless drills...you get the idea. Tuesday was the first part of a grander project to build a wifi backpack: "We’re building a wifi backpack, which we’ve affectionately called the WiFi......

This was not a very happy week for the -ist network as one of our own, Phillyist co-editor Star C. Foster, passed away early in the week. Her wit, intelligence, and good nature shone through the site, making Phillyist an immensely fun read. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. Phillyist paid tribute to her this week with a heartfelt letter to her and an obituary. And now, the awkward......

In case you're sick of paying for coffee to get your daily Internet fix, and can't wait for Toronto Hydro's system, the good folks over at Wireless Toronto have created a free WiFi access point in Yonge-Dundas Square. If that's not enough, they've also been hard at work bringing up other new locations. Some notable recent additions include Dufferin Grove and Kensington Market. These and all other locations offer free wireless access, paid for......

Toronto Hydro is leapfrogging over cellphone companies and planning to offer citywide WiFi which means you can access Torontoist pretty much everywhere. Like on skating rinks, or parks or heck, even while you're driving (something we don't support and won't be liable for if you're stupid enough to do it). According to the Toronto Star story Ted Rogers is very very pissed off about the development. All we have to say is good, that guy......

TOist has written about the mess the big four carriers are making of WiFi in TO (and Canada) in the past, with a mixture of frustration and apathy. So it's nice to see that some locally-wired citizens, loosely known as Wireless Toronto, are getting together to discuss the idea of creating wireless community networks. They're specifically looking to Ile Sans Fils, a Montreal group that offers WiFi when you're in their radius. TOist had opportunity......

Rogers plans to charge $9 per hour for WiFi service at a handful of Second Cup outlets. It's a bid to generate more revenue for their wireless division. And it's stupid. $9 an hour is about the price of a recently-reduced movie ticket. $9 is a good burger at a bar and grille with faux-vintage signage. And $9 is a used CD that reminds you of high school. $9 is not a reasonable amount of......

When you’re toting your laptop around and want to fire off a couple emails and post a blog update, Toronto is a pretty desolate place. Canadian Starbucks locations are not Wi-Fi enabled, though our neighbors to the south are able to buy access accounts that work in locations all over the country. Coffee chain Second cup, is now teasing the geek set with free hotspots....