Have you ever been in search of free public Wi-Fi — somewhere where you don’t need to buy a coffee to get online? Luckily, there is an institution in nearly every community that offers free Wi-Fi access to everyone: the public library.

Libraries are long-standing community centers that invite people of all ages to expand their minds through the public materials and resources they offer. Virtually all libraries (98 percent) offer free public Wi-Fi access and are equipped with computers, printers, scanners, and a quiet environment that make learning and remote working convenient.

Surprisingly, in an age where 90 percent of households in the United States have at least one smart device, there are 5 million homes around the country with school-aged children that lack broadband access. A Federal Communication Commission’s Broadband Task Force found that about 70 percent of teachers assign homework that requires broadband access. It also found that 65 percent of students regularly used the Internet to complete their at-home studies — be it to submit assignments, reach out to their teachers, or to connect with other students for group projects. Not only is Wi-Fi access key to student success, but it is also important to parents, who go online to receive real-time updates on their child’s academic performance as more and more schools began upgrading to online grading systems. Without broadband access, many students and parents alike are unable to get online and perform these tasks. Thankfully, that is where public libraries come in.

At libraries, free Wi-Fi and access to computers and tablets empower students to take learning beyond the traditional classroom and engage with degree-earning and language learning programs. Wi-Fi also allows people to access government services such as renewing their driver’s licenses or applying for government programs.

Not only does Wi-Fi enhance the library experience for visitors, but it also enhances library efficiency. For instance, libraries are increasingly loaning out e-books and employing self-checkout machines— both of which rely upon Wi-Fi connectivity to function. Some libraries in the U.S. are even experimenting with Wi-Fi hotspot lending programs, equipping patrons without broadband access with at-home Wi-Fi. As learning in the digital age continues to progress, libraries have made the effort to adapt along with it.

Wi-Fi provides fuel for the many educational opportunities provided by public libraries. From receiving online tutoring to responding to emails, Wi-Fi allows information professionals to empower Americans to find the information they need most.