A new chapter in the fight for digital access is unfolding in Brockport. Monroe County Library system is helping bring internet access to areas of Monroe County where infrastructure is not fully developed. They plan to do this with a solar power internet table at Corbett Park in Brockport.  

The table will provide free Wi-Fi and charging ports, which will be powered by a solar panel. Emily clasper is passionate about spreading digital access across Monroe County. 

“We’re installing 10 tables across the county.” Clasper said, “We’re working with vendors and sites right now we’re hoping sooner rather than later as the weather gets nicer to get them installed.”  

Corbett Park, where the table is set to be installed, has tennis courts, a basketball court, playground, and a fitness area making it an excellent location for accessibility. 

The table is more than just a convenience; it is a lifeline for local students and job seekers who currently lack reliable internet access. 

“People need to apply for jobs, and they need to get their benefits and students need to do their homework. They need to do these things right now and internet is required.” Clasper said.  

Many residents like John Payme, think that many individuals will benefit from these tables. 

“I think it would help a lot of people that don’t have Internet here, and can’t afford it and need it and I’m sure there’s a lot of them especially in high school kids and people looking for jobs.” Payme said 

Resident and business owner Sarah Bonczyk, gives another reason why this access to free internet is so important to this area  

“We’re in a school district that now qualifies 100% for free lunch and supplies. That tells you a lot. Families here need help with things like Internet access.” Bonczyk said  

Many residents also voiced their frustration about how the lack of infrastructure makes their options limited and how they feel stuck.

“It’s very hard to get internet here in Brockport… I think that because the internet that we do have is expensive and it’s not very good either. We’re always having issues around here with frontier and spectrum,” Brockport resident Katelyn Englert said 

Sarah Bonczyk shares Englert’s frustration . 

“As far as I know, our only option is Spectrum. A few people are switching to Frontier, but both our home and business in Brockport have no real choice. It’s incredibly frustrating. There are times when the internet just goes off and I can’t work. I can’t connect to my servers, and I can’t do my job. That’s not acceptable when you work from home.” Bonczyk said 

The Monroe County Library is funding the table initiative. The solar-powered tables will eventually be installed across Monroe County as a way to bridge the digital gap.  

“We can’t solve everything with one table, but we can make a difference while the long-term infrastructure catches up.” Clasper said  

For Brockport, this one table may not seem like much, but it is a step in the right direction toward connection, and opportunity.