Working remotely from a library is a great alternative to working from home.
If you work from home enough, sometimes you just need a change in scenery and working from the local library is a great option.
Working remotely from a library is also a great option when you’re on a road trip and need to get some work done during the day.
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While traveling in my SUV last summer, libraries were my preferred working environment. Mostly, because of the air conditioning, but they have other perks as well.
They are one of my favorite places to work because they are free, quiet, and typically nice.
The downsides are that you might need a private wifi device so you’re not working on public wifi and it can be a pain to have to pack up your valuables just to go to the bathroom.
Best Tips for Working Remotely from a Library
Here are some of my best tips after spending a summer working from various libraries:
- If possible, set up shop within eyesight of a library employee’s desk.
- This allows you to go to the bathroom without taking everything with you. Just ask them to keep an eye on it.
- This allows you to go to the bathroom without taking everything with you. Just ask them to keep an eye on it.
- Make friends or sit nearby people that look like they are working or studying
- Sit close enough to a student or someone else that looks like they will be there for a while
- Note, I still will take my laptop sometimes, but will leave my keyboard, mouse, etc.
- When searching for a library, use “Regional Library” in google maps
- These libraries are “important” libraries that serve multiple communities. They tend to be bigger, and nicer, and they are open all days of the week (some libraries in small towns are only open a few hours a day and are closed certain days of the week).
- These libraries are “important” libraries that serve multiple communities. They tend to be bigger, and nicer, and they are open all days of the week (some libraries in small towns are only open a few hours a day and are closed certain days of the week).
- If you’re in a smaller town, you can also look up “community centers” to find an open place to work
- Bring Layers! Some libraries are really cold during the spring and fall.
Can You Work From a Library?
Yes, you can work from a library!
Libraries typically have large tables compared to coffee shops which are great for getting focused work done. Some even have private conference rooms you can reserve. Better yet, this is all FREE.
Zoom Calls and Meetings
Working remotely from a library is a great choice if you’re an individual contributor and don’t have to do many zoom calls or phone meetings.
If you do have zoom meetings or other calls you need to speak on, it’s good etiquette to reserve a room or do it from a non-quiet area.
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For example, my local library has an area designated for eating and it’s where the kids hangout after school and talk. It’s not the stereotypical library where someone is going to shush you.
However, there are smaller libraries where this isn’t going to fly and you’ll be getting asked to be quiet if you start blabbering about how the marketing budget is being allocated for Q4.
Is it Safe to Work On Library Wifi?
I typically will not work on the library internet because it’s public. If I’m writing an article like this and browsing the internet, it won’t matter as much.
But if you’re doing anything confidential or on a company computer, you’ll probably want your own secure network.
If you don’t already use a VPN, it’s best practice to start using one like Express VPN.
Otherwise, something like a Verizon Jetpack or ATT’s equivalent will suffice. You can even use your phone as a hotspot, but that’s not a great solution if you’re working all day every day on it (at least my plan has a throttle on it and it drains the battery).
Note: there is a one-time fee for the device, then you have to work with Verizon to get it activated and added to your plan. It's cheap to add to existing plans.
This is the AT&T version. Not sure why it's so much more expensive than a Verizon Jetpack.
My Verizon Jetpack was $200 about 4 years ago and costs between $10 to $80 per month, depending on how much data I use. If you’re spending all day on it for a month, you’ll be on the upper end. If it’s a few times a month, you’ll be at $10 to $15.
There are also other methods, but it’s not my expertise. I find the Verizon Jetpack / Mifi devices to be great because you can use them to get wifi on the road as well.
- The Remote Working Lifestyle
- Creating Your Workspace
- How to Deliver a Virtual Presentation
- & more
Remote Working at a Library: Other Things to Note
Some libraries are strict about having food out and have designated areas to eat.
Some libraries are full of chaos. I’ve been to libraries with their own security guard, and without going into details, he was there for a reason. Make sure to read reviews!
Some libraries have no bathrooms or no stall doors. This was a new one to me, but one was getting remodeled and didn’t have an alternative bathroom for the public to use.
Some small towns have libraries that are only open for 2-4 hours per day, or they are closed 1 to 2 days per week. Make sure to check the schedules ahead of time.
Cheers!
