Milwaukee was among the first cities in the United States to provide wireless Internet access in public spaces. Pere Marquette Park and Cathedral Square Park have been "freespots," or wireless access points for public use, since June 2003, but now as summer begins its slow wrap up and fall classes resume, indoor Wi-Fi spots are in hot demand.

Accessibility to the online world and online media is becoming much easier in and around Milwaukee. So go out, explore the city, lose yourself in a quiet park or relax the afternoon away in a cozy coffeehouse, but don't forget your laptop.

Here's our guide to the Web scene and Wi-Fi world in Milwaukee.

Libraries

Any branch of the Milwaukee Public Library offers free computer use, though terminals are limited and usually crowded. Washington Square Park branch was the first to become Wi-Fi, with the rest following in close pursuit. Milwaukee Public Libraries already provide more than 300 computers with free Internet access and unique library databases for public use. Be sure to call your local branch to find out sign-up requirements, availability, times of operation, etc.

Coffeehouses and cafes

Alterra Coffee Roasters
1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., (414) 223-4551
2211 N. Prospect Ave., (414) 273-3747
170 S. 1st St., (414) 765-9873 (Free in the morning)
www.alterracoffee.com

Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. (Free)
1208 E. Brady St., (414) 276-8081
920 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. (414) 489-0765
www.anodynecoffee.com

Bella Café
189 N. Milwaukee St. (414) 273-5620
www.bellacaffe.com

Bremen Café (Free)
901 E. Clarke St. (414) 324-9596
www.bremencafe.com

Brewing Grounds for Change (Free)
2008 N. Farwell Ave. (414) 273-9777

Coffee with a Conscience (Free)
East Wing of Milwaukee Public Library
814 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 286-2142
Schlitz Business Center, 1555 River Center Dr., (414) 276-4341
www.wwbic.com
www.mpl.org

Comet Cafe
1947 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 273-7677

EspressoChristoph (Free)
3116 N. Downer Ave., (414) 332-1300
825 N. Jefferson St., (414) 271-4400
www.espressochristoph.com

The Fire Escape
819 N. 27th St., (414) 935-1100
www.thefireescape.net

Fuel Cafe
818 E. Center St., (414) 374-3835
www.fuelcafe.com

Hi-Fi Cafe
2640 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 486-0504
www.hificafe.com

Mo's Mocha-A Coffee Bistro (Free)
124 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 276-6242
www.mosmocha.com

Quasi Café (Free for members)
1340 N. 6th St., (414) 305-1324
www.quasi-cafe.com

Roast Inc. (Free)
2132 E. Locust St., (414) 963-6363
www.roastcoffeecompany.com

Rochambo Coffee & Tea House
1317 E. Brady St., (414) 291-0095
www.rochambo.com

Sherman Perk
4924 W. Roosevelt Dr., (414) 875-7375
www.shermanperk.com

Starbucks
920 N. Water St., (414) 272-0232
544 E. Ogden Ave., (414) 221-9099
326 N. Water St., (414) 278-0345
1610 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 933-1233
1677 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 224-7760
1417 N. Wauwatosa Ave., (414) 607-8864
4741 S. 76th St., (414) 817-1932
1130 Miller Park Way, (414) 643-5179
5300 S. Howell Ave., (414) 747-5252
www.starbucks.com

Steamers Coffee
624 N. Water St., (414) 277-7679

Stone Creek Coffee (Free)
275 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 298-9965
2266 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 481-4215
6969 N. Port Washington Rd., (414) 228-8699
4106 N. Oakland Ave., (414) 964-1608
8340 W. Bluemound Rd., (414) 443-1302
601 E. Silver Spring Dr., (414) 332-2285
2644 Hillside Dr., Delafield, (262) 646-2241
www.stonecreekcoffee.com

Sven's European Café (Free)
2699 S Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 483-2233

Wildgrove Roastery and Coffee House (Free)
524 S. 2nd St., (414) 807-3699
www.wildgrove.com

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