A little lift...goes a long way.

What a surprise I had this week!   A woman at the gym, comes up to me and says, "Are you Barbara Sanchez?...I saw you this morning in the Advance...in the article about your office at Panera." 

Apparently the Panera article was reprinted.  This time, it must have had a much larger circulation, because now I am getting supportive emails from strangers, (and friends as well) .   And let me tell you, its the little lift I really needed.

Its hard to believe that I have been out over a year, and sometimes quite frankly, its a little embarrassing.  Even though I know it is not my fault, and do my best to stay positive, unemployment is sometimes is hard to deal with.  I hate when people ask what I do, I have to explain that, "I do marketing, but I am currently unemployed."    I already shied away from my college reunion, and now I have my high school reunion around the corner.  I feel bad when family calls to check on me and I don't have good news to tell them about my job search.

And even though I try to keep my spirit up, sometimes its hard...a year is a LONG time.  But then random things like the article reprint happen, and its the little lift that I need to keep on trucking. I am reminded once again, that I am not alone, and that I am doing all the right things to get back on track.  I have nothing to be ashamed of.  ....And most important, I have the support of family and friends (and even strangers) behind me.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

"Angels are all around us, all the time, in the very air we breathe." ~The Angels' Little Instruction Book

“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” ~Grandma Moses

“Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.” ~Bernice Johnson Reagon

Official Recognition for Me and "The Office"

Its been over year since I was laid off, which is much longer than I ever expected to be out of work.  But I keep my head up and keep on truckin'...I know that things will change for the better soon. 

In the meantime, I am thankful for Panera, which gives me a place to call my "office."  Yesterday, I was featured in the Staten Island Advance, along with my "office mate" Joel Richardson of Soul Joel Productions.


I don't know how to describe it, but it feels really good to be recognized for making the best of a situation. 

Some days you need a good laugh...

Well, as many of you know, in my spare time I work for my friend, SOUL Joel, a local comedian, producer and radio host working his a** off to "make it happen." He's also my office mate at Panera...where I have been absent from for the past 3 weeks, thanks to my temp job (at a place that rhymes with "elastic").

Anyway...making a SHORT story way too LONG...

Through Joel, I met another up and coming comic, Reese Waters. Reese hired me to do some work on his website, and in the process, I found a funny clip of his on Unemployment. Thought I would share...

Jokes.com
Reese Waters - Recession
comedians.comedycentral.com
Futurama New Episodes Funny Demon Zombie TV Show Funny TV Comedy Blog

Hoped you enjoyed. A good laugh is good for the spirit.

Want to learn more about Reese and Soul Joel? Visit their sites at www.reesewaters.com and www.souljoel.com.

Scenes from the Virtual Office (PANERA)

If you listen to the Comedy Point every Tuesday, you know that Joel and I have set up our “virtual” office at Panera. We joke around about it being an office, but the truth is, we virtually work there 2-3 days a week. Why Panera? You might think it’s the free internet, or the good food, or the coffee, or the friendly atmosphere. All good reasons, but the truth is: they don’t kick us out.

As you know from the show, I’m Joel’s virtual office manager. I campaigned hard for the title for over 2 weeks, after I found out that Rich Shultis hired a virtual assistant from India. My promotion was announced on the show at the beginning of the year. Now I am always on my best behavior. I wouldn’t want Joel to virtually fire me.


At first, Joel and I used to cram ourselves into a small booth in the back , but now we sit right in the front facing the windows so we can people watch. Plus, while I’m on the shy side, Joel’s a walking advertisement, what’s the point of hiding him in a corner? Seriously, not only does he drive up in his Soul Mobile, he’s always wearing at least one piece of Soul Joel Production gear. Even his computer is wrapped to promote his radio show (my Christmas present to him).

The kids love Soul Joel, giving him secret waves, thumbs ups and smiles behind their mother’s backs… And the Adults strain their necks to get a good look at this guy with the fancy computer, with his sidekick (me) sitting right next to him. Nobody can figure out what we are doing, but they know we are up to something.

Joel inadvertently names drops on his phone conversations, “Hey Reese…what’s up Reese? Yannis, good show last night.” Maddog!!! What’s up Bubbas?….Hello, I’m Joel Richardson, I’m a producer and I host a radio show.” People can’t help but look up from their coffee as he walks around talking on his cell. He’s not showing off mind you…he’s just making it happen at “the office.”

Stop by and join us at our virtual office, The Panera by Target. Have a coffee , and join our virtual fun.

REPOSTED from The Comedy Point with Soul Joel Blog.

Adjusting the sails....

Well, I am back at Panera today. It feels good.  I woke up to a nice sunny day, and I got up, got dressed and got myself OUT.

I say it again and again. Getting out is the key to staying positive.   And I am not going to lie...its been hard to stay up these days.  My sleep pattern and daily routine has been affected already.  I know I need to get back on track.  I am pushing myself, mainly because I can't afford to be negative right now. 

Anyway, step one to getting back on track is looking for new paths back to work.  So today, I'm back on the government websites...It takes a little time to decipher the descriptions, but I just know there are a few that are right for me.

Here are the websites if you are interested:

• New York State Employment Opportunities
• New York City Job Opportunities
• Federal Government Jobs

I'm also planning on attending a small business group tonight.  I think it will be a good networking opportunity.

Anything out there working for you???  Love to hear your advice.

Quote of the day:
“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” --Jimmy Dean

Great Minds Think Alike!!!

I've been writing here and on my Facebook Page about my "office" at Panera for months.  Many of my friends still think I actually work for Panera.  I do "work" there, but I don't don't serve coffee or make the bread. I am "working" at Panera looking for "work."   I use their Wifi and comfy seating to create a remote office.  This work does not earn a paycheck (but I think the only people who really care about that is is the unemployment office).  

In the meantime, I am thankful for the remote office. The key is that I am out of the house. I am dressed and on the move.  I believe in my heart that keeping focused on the search and staying positive is is the right way to get the job of my dreams. 

One other side effect of going to Panera, is that I have fallen in love with the Panera Mac and Cheese, which I now include in my profile photo.  One friend was so impressed by my promotion, she actually wrote a touching letter to Panera about me. How awesome is that!!!????  She suggested I would make a great commercial for them. I agree.   They wrote back. They said they would forward to the corporate office.  I am waiting for their call, or a team of managers to swarm up to me, like Ed McMahon and Publishers Clearing House, while I am sitting there "working." Come on, Panera.  Make my YEAR!   (My office hours vary, but I am there EVERY Wed from 12-5pm in case you need to schedule the camera crew).

Another  friend of mine sent me an article about people who created their remote office at coffee shops and the library. First of all, I was incredibly touched that he thought of me.  Its that power of friends that I spoke about months ago in ths blog.  Here's a friend that takes a second to send me a link, that says, "keep it up." That's priceless.  Anyway. I liked the article, THE DAILY GRIND by By DEIRDRE DOLAN and JENNIFER DANIELS and I thought I would share it here on my blog.  It just goes to prove that I am not alone.  I hope it inspires others to get out there and make something happen for themselves.  

Come on people, get out of your caves.  Opportunity is out there waiting for us to find it.   Maybe it is at Panera, maybe it is at the local library. I am 90% sure it is not on the couch!!!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Enjoy Life.  This is not a dress rehearsal."

Top 5 Lessons Learned from Unemployment (so far).

Well today is roughly my 7 month unemployment anniversary. It also is my 4 year anniversary of my first downsizing from Columbia House (which at the time I thought was the end of my world.)

While this layoff is much longer than the the last one (which lasted 4 months), I'm am in a much better mental place this time around. I am chalking this up to lessons learned from the first one.   Looking back I seriously think my first unemployment stint was God's way of preparing me for this tougher time.

As I reflect on these two unemployment experiences, I can't believe how much I have grown as a person.  I thought I would share some of the things I have learned.

Here are my Top 5 Lessons Learned (so far) from Unemployment:

1. Stressing yourself out doesn't find you a job any faster.
   I learned from my first experience that this kind of stress actually makes you sick, which is a downward mental and physical spiral. You have to just accept the situation, and do what you can to fix it, but don't let it get you down.
   
   
2. Make the most of the time you have been "given."
   Last time around, I was so focused on the job search, I didn't take time to smell the roses. I remember talking to this guy Eddie, right before we were laid off. He said that if he got the axe, he was just going to take some time and enjoy himself. I thought he was crazy. He had a family and a mortgage. How could he afford to do that???
   
   The truth is, you can "afford" it. First of all, you have to accept the fact that unless you have MEGA savings account, unemployment is going to hurt financially, no matter how frugal you live. But after you work on job hunting you are rich in TIME. My first advice is while you still have some funds, do SOMETHING (at least one thing) you always wanted to do. Take that trip you always wanted to take, experience life. You always said you wanted to see X or do Y.  My advice is to do it and make it the best experience ever!
   
   I always wanted to become fluent is Spanish. I decided right after I got the news that I was laid off that I was going to make it happen. I called my HS principal and asked her to help me make a connection with Sisters in Chile. Next thing I was in Chile living in a convent (That's a whole blog in itself). Do you know what a incredible gift that was? I paid for the entire trip with credit card miles. And I learned so much more than just Spanish! I also rode 100 miles on my bicycle in one day (TWICE) this year. This was something I have been working towards doing, but never had the time to train for. I made it a goal, and thanks to daily spin classes, I was able to lose weight and get in shape for the ride. What is better than that?
   
   Once you are done, taking care of YOU, then make the most of time with your friends and family. This time is a gift. So are your family and friends. Share this time with them. And then, after you do that, make sure you do things that make you feel good about yourself. Volunteer, help your neighbors, whatever. You have the time, enjoy it every way you can.
   
   
3. Your house is good for shelter from the cold, but bad for job hunting.
   Last time I was unemployed, I was given 3 months of going to unemployment counseling in the city. The benefit included counseling services, workshops and use of a computer, copier and fax machine. It offered me a great way to get out of the house. This time around, I have Panera. It offers great coffee, fantastic sandwiches and FREE Wifi.
   
   I just really think it is important to get out of bed and get out of the house. Its good for the brain and good to keep your mind stimulated. Technology really makes that that possible...all you need is a laptop with wireless access and a cell phone.
   
   
4. Your friends are the best support system in the world.
   Maybe it is me, but I have some fantastic friends. If they are not sending me job leads, they are just reminding me of my accomplishments. And now with facebook, this support system is intensified and multiplied. They are a gift and I am so thankful for them.
   
   
5. You need a plan for EACH and EVERY day.
   This is a lesson that I think is really important. Time flies and you have to make the most of every day. I end every day with a list for tomorrow. Its a manageable list, nothing too crazy, but a plan just the same. When I wake up in the morning, I know I can't stay in bed. I have to do the Laundry, go to Panera for 3 hours and job search, stop at the store buy a birthday card, go to the gym and do food shopping for the week. When I go to bed at night, I know that I did all (or most) of the things that I set out to do, and that makes me feel good. I don't have a big black cloud of "things to do" hanging over my head. I have a list that I can check off.
   

So, those are my lessons learned (so far). I am hoping to be out of this situation sooner than later, and will be celebrating my anniversary of my new job.  But I know I can take whatever comes my way. Do you have lessons you can share? I'd love to hear them.

Free Wifi in NYC - Manhattan

A friend of mine was looking for free wifi in NYC where he can set up his office and get some work done.  He's tried Starbucks and B&N but was having a hard time finding a seat.  I don't have that problem in my Panera on Staten Island (where I am typing this post), but I can see how this could be an issue in the city. 

In honor of my friend, I've put together this list of places with free Wifi in NYC.   Know of any others?  Please share!

Places with FREE WIFI in New York City:

DOWNTOWN - LOWER MANHATTAN

• Barnes and Noble - Tribeca 97 Warren Street  New York, NY 10007
• Barnes and Noble - Greenwich Village  396 Ave of the Americas at 8th Str. New York, NY 10011
• Union Square Park -- From 4th Ave to Broadway, between 14th & 17th Sts.
• Barnes and Noble - Union Square 33 East 17th Street New York, NY 10003
• New York Public Library- Tompkins Square, 331 East 10th Street 212-228-4747
• New York Public Library-Muhlenberg Branch, 209 West 23rd Street, 212-924-1585
• New York Public Library-Mulberry Street, 10 Jersey Street, 212-966-3424
• New York Public Library-Seward Park, 192 East Broadway, 212-477-6770
• New York Public Library-New Amsterdam, 9 Murray Street, 212-732-8186
• New York Public Library-Ottendorfer, 135 2nd Avenue, 212-674-0947
• New York Public Library-Hamilton Fish Park, 415 East Houston Street, 212-673-2290
• New York Public Library-Chatham Square, 33 East Broadway, 212-964-6598
• City Hall Park – Between Broadway and Centre St., from Barclay St. to Chambers St.
• 60 Wall St. Atrium -– 60 Wall St. near Exchange Place
• Bowling Green Park -– State Street and Battery Place.
• South Street Seaport -– South St. and Fulton St.
• Wall Street Park -– Wall St. from South St. to Front St.
• Stone Street -– From Broadway to Broad St.
• Staten Island Ferry Terminal -– Whitehall Terminal, South St. near Broad St.
• Winter Garden – World Financial Center atrium
• Vietnam Veteran’s Plaza -- 55 Water St.

 MIDTOWN

•  Juan Valdez Cafe - 1451 Broadway  (41st Street)
•  New York Public Library- Epiphany Branch, 228 East 23rd Street, 212-679-2645
•  Bryant Park - 40th to 42nd Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
•  Barnes and Noble - Citigroup Center160 E 54th Street New York, NY 10022
•  Juan Valdez Cafe - 140 East 57th Street
•  New York Public Library - 58th Street Branch, 127 East 58th Street, 759-7358
•  New York Public Library - 67th Street, 328 East 67th Street, 734-1717
•  Barnes and Noble - Lincoln Triange - 1972 Broadway New York, NY 10023
•  New York Public Library- Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library, 40 West 20th Street, 206-5458
•  New York Public Library-Mid-Manhattan Library - Fourth Floor, 455 Fifth Avenue
•  New York Public Library- Cathedral Branch, 560 Lexington Avenue, 752-3824
•  Barnes and Noble - 82nd and Broadway -2289 Broadway New York, NY 10024
•  Barnes and Noble - 86th and Lex - 150 East 86th Street New York, NY 10028
•  New York Public Library-Columbus, 742 Tenth Avenue, 212-586-5098
• Juan Valdez Cafe - 480 Lexington Avenue

UPTOWN

• New York Public Library- Webster Branch, 1465 York Avenue, 78th Street, 212-288-5049
• New York Public Library- Yorkville Branch, 222 East 79th Street, 212-744-5824
• New York Public Library- Bloomingdale Branch, 150 West 100th Street, 222-8030
• New York Public Library- 96th Street Branch, 112 East 96th Street, 289-0908
• New York Public Library- Aguilar, 174 East 110th Street, 212-534-2930
• New York Public Library- 125th Street, 224 East 125th Street, 212-534-5050
• New York Public Library-George Bruce, 518 West 125th Street, 212-662-9727
• New York Public Library- Countee Cullen, 104 West 136th Street, 212-491-2070
• New York Public Library-Fort Washington, 535 West 179th Street, 212-927-3533
• New York Public Library-Hamilton Grange, 503 West 145th Street, 212-926-2147
• New York Public Library-Harlem, 9 West 124th Street, 212-348-5620
• New York Public Library-Hudson Park, 66 Leroy Street, 212-243-6876
• New York Public Library-Inwood, 4790 Broadway, 212-942-2445
• New York Public Library-Jefferson Market, 425 Avenue of Americas, 212-243-4334
• New York Public Library-Kips Bay Branch, 446 Third Avenue, 212-683-2520
• New York Public Library-Macomb's Bridge, 2650 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard, 212-281-4900
• New York Public Library-Morningside Heights, 2900 Broadway, 212-864-2530
• New York Public Library- Riverside Branch, 127 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-870-1810
• New York Public Library- Washington Heights, 1000 Saint Nicholas Avenue, 212-923-6054  

 
Looking for free wifi on Staten Island, here's a list for you.

Get Out There!

Today I had an unexpectedly fun day at my remote office at Panera on Staten Island. 

It started like any other day there.  I put up my regular post on Facebook: "I will be at the remote office (Panera) Wed at 12ish. Stop by and have a coffee with me!" and updated my profile picture with the one on the left.

I've been doing this kind of stuff for 3 months, and while I get lots of comments, up until today, only one friend has come to visit me. Today, the planets aligned, and I had three guests. It was a Panera Party! 

I was so excited!  I couldn't wait to update my status on facebook as each guest arrived  (their visits were actually staggered, I couldn't have scheduled it that way if I tried). It was great.  I had nice conversations with each of my friends, and felt really lucky to get this extra time with them. 

I know what you are thinking...big deal. But you know what? It was.  It was a great day.  I felt energized. And it all started with me doing one thing...getting out of the house.

Days like today don't happen every time I go out. My friends aren't always around to keep me company, but I find that 9 times out of 10,  getting out of the house gets my mind going, my energy flowing and the ideas coming.  My inspirations come from random conversations I had while out, things I have seen in my journies, or something that comes to my mind  when I am out and about. In the past few weeks alone, I've come up with ideas for making money, a website for my friends business, and even topics for this blog.

When you are working, you get all this stimulation during your morning commute, coffee breaks and daily interactions with your coworkers.  But when you are unemployed, you have to make your own day.  Sometimes easier said than done.

Its VERY tempting to stay in the house in PJs, write cover letters, send out  resumes and catch up on daytime tv EVERY DAY, especially these days when the job market slow, and your phone isn't ringing and the interviews aren't coming.  Some days I don't even want to get out of bed. But that's not healthy.  You and your mind deserve better than that. 

So I say, send out your resumes and cover letters, but do that when you get up in the morning or before you go to bed at night.  Seize the day, and get out there and smell the roses and have fun! You don't have to spend a fortune.  Visit museums and parks, go for walks, ride your bike, visit a library, or go to the gym.  Just get outside.

In honor of this topic, here are my  Top 10 Quotes about Experiencing Life (AKA Get out There)

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.”  --William Plomer

“You must not for one instant give up the effort to build new lives for yourselves. Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway to life. This is not an easy struggle. Indeed, it may be the most difficult task in the world, for opening” --Daisaku Ikeda

"Many people know so little about what is beyond their short range of experience. They look within themselves - and find nothing! Therefore they conclude that there is nothing outside themselves either." --Helen Keller

"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." --Earl Nightingale


"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today." --Dale Carnegie


". . . it's worth recognizing that there is no such thing as an overnight success. You will do well to cultivate the resources in yourself that bring you happiness outside of success or failure. The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive. At that time, we turn around and say, yes, this is obviously where I was going all along. It's a good idea to try to enjoy the scenery on the detours, because you'll probably take a few.” Bill Watterson


“Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.” --Henry Ford

"Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music-the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself." --Henry Miller
 
 
“Creativity is a lot like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope. You look at a set of elements, the same ones everyone else sees, but then reassemble those floating bits and pieces into an enticing new possibility." --Rosabeth Moss Kanter


“The life of the creative man is lead, directed and controlled by boredom. Avoiding boredom is one of our most important purposes.” --Susan Sontag

 
So go ahead, send out your resumes and then GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!  Who knows...your next employment opportunity might be right outside your door!

Summer's Over...Back to School?

Well, the summer is almost over. I'm here at Panera typing another blog posting, I haven't had a call from a recruiter or anyone else in weeks.

I guess I can take some comfort in the fact that I'm STILL in good company. According to last week's Department of Labor, NYC has a 9.6% unemployment rate in July, its highest level since June 1997. I keep telling myself, "This is the summer slowdown...everyone is on vacation...September will be better..." and all the positive things I can think of to keep on trucking. But sometimes it feels like job finding and lotto winning have about the same odds.

I am most worried about my skills and resume getting stale. So I think I'd better come up with a Plan B. I'm seriously thinking about signing up for a few more classes at NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS).

These classes are around $800 and go for 6 sessions. While I hate to shell out the extra bucks, I believe they are one of the better ways for me to stay on top of the trends in the industry. Plus, I think the trip into the city and the social interaction, and the class would be a good change of pace for the fall.

I've been working towards NYU SCPS Digital Marketing Certificate for a few years now (on the dime of my previous employer). I've taken the Digital Strategy, Strategic Search Engine Marketing (SEM)and Social Media classes. I've found them to be incredibly informative and eye-opening. I was able to put all of my learnings to practice at work, and in my opinion, it was the best investment my employer ever made.

I first found out about Second Life in the Digital Strategy class. The concept of people sitting home and building an alternate reality for themselves on the internet and people making money programming clothes, cars and houses absolutely blew my mind. We also learned about other digital marketing opportunities, such as bluetooth, and podcasts.

The SEM class was sponsored by Google, and we were actually given a budget and a real life campaign to manage. I was able to take this hands-on knowledge to expand my responsibilities at work to include SEM marketing.

In the Social Networking class we learned the nuances of this communication channel and the best practices for using them to meet marketing objectives. I put into practice on Jillian Michaels facebook page and was able to grow the site to over 11K members in a matter of weeks. It was amazing.

This time around, I'm looking at the Advanced SEM class, and the SEO Strategy class.

Well, Back to School...that's my Plan B. In the meantime, I am playing Lotto... religiously. Just in case. Hey...you never know!

Positive vibes and Wifi at Panera

Well, another day at Panera (for a total of 3 days this week). I've been posting my "I'm at Panera" status on Facebook. A few of my friends actually think I am working here. Well, technically, I am, but not for Panera. I'm working for my next job.

I come here before or after the gym, buy something to eat or drink and then plug in and log-on. I'm averaging 4 hours a day here and when I am here, I just feel GOOD. I feel comfortable, focused on my job search and incredibly happy to be out of the house. What a difference a little booth and free wifi makes!!!

As far as the job search process, I just updated my resume. I can thank Melanie from JobFox.com for her free feedback the other day. It was a little harsh, but once I could read it without seeing red, I realized that she was right. It needed some work.

I'm sending the revised resume to my headhunter and a few friends to see what they think, and then I am going to work on networking. Time to kick the job search up into higher gear.

Inspirational Quote of the day:"Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.” --Dennis Waitley

Top 10 Places with Free Wifi in Staten Island

I'm filing this blog posting from Panera in Staten Island, New York.

I came to Panera mainly for the free wifi, but in general, I find it a great place to "work." They have plenty of tables to set up shop, so that you are not disrupting their regular business, plus they have great coffee and very pleasant staff. I find this a great place to "work."

By "work," I mean the unpaid kind...job hunting, networking and whatever else I can think of to lead me to my next job. Yes, I could do this at home, but I find myself distracted by the latest case on Judge Judy and all the soap operas. I have to get out of my house.

Panera is just one of the many places you can set up your "office."


Here is my Top 10 Places to "work" when you are Unemployed
(AKA Top 10 places to Get Free WiFi)

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm going to limit my picks to Staten Island, for two good reasons. One, I live here and two, this borough is seriously underrepresented. Research your own area and send me a list of recommendations in your area. I'll make a running list. I recommend this site as good starting point for your research http://www.wififreespot.com/

1) Panera
Free Wifi is one of the features Panera advertises loud and clear on its website. They WANT you to make yourself comfortable here. Looking for a Panera in your area? Click on this link

Panera Marsh Avenue (#4075)
280 Marsh Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10314
(718) 494-2450 | phone
(718) 494-2462 | fax

Panera Veterans Road (#4076)
2965 Veterans Road West
Staten Island, New York 10309
(718) 966-0304 | phone
(718) 966-0429 | fax

2) New York Public Library
If you are like me, its been years since you have been to the library. Go there...you'll find that it is a wonderful place to visit and get inspired. Browse the books (you remember what books are?) and enjoy the free wifi.

Here are the Staten Island Branches with Wifi
- Great Kills, 56 Giffords Lane, 718-984-6670
- New Dorp, 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977
- Port Richmond, 75 Bennett Street, 718-442-0158
- West New Brighton, 976 Castleton Avenue, 718-442-1416
- Dongan Hills1617 Richmond Road, 718-351-1444
- Todt Hill-Westerleigh, 2550 Victory Boulevard, 718-494-1642

To see all the NYPL with Wifi, click here. (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the listings for Bronx and Manhattan.

3)Cargo Cafe
This is literally one of my favorite spots on Staten Island. You can bring anyone there and you just feel comfortable. The food is great, they have a pool table, and lots of seating. The free wifi is an added bonus.

Cargo Cafe
120 Bay St
Staten Island, NY 10301-2503
(718) 876-0539


4)Barnes and Noble
NOW, you can get free wifi here too! I was there a month ago and you had to pay by the hour, but B&N has had a change of heart. Wifi is now FREE.

Barnes and Noble
2245 Richmond Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314
718-982-6983

For a B&N in your area, click here.

Well, I wanted to list 10, but as you can see, I could only get 4 main listings, but if you count all the libraries on Staten Island, and the Paneras, you get to 10. But now I am on the look out. I'll continue to update as I go. Fellow Staten Islanders...help me out!