UPDATE: Winter Park Public Library cardholders are able to take advantage of a hotspot checkout program – more information HERE.
Boston residents are now able to borrow Wi-Fi Hotspots from their public libraries as part of the City of Boston’s efforts to increase internet access for its residents.
The idea behind the initiative being that it’s too difficult for residents to engage with their city government if they don’t have access to the internet. Which, as we experience a drive towards better, more streamlined services on our own City website, is not hard to understand.
A hotspot device allows users to connect a mobile device like a laptop or smartphone to the internet. They’re portable and can work wherever you are. Over 200 T-Mobile Hotspots will be available to check out from Boston Public Libraries, for free, for 21 days. All with unlimited data.
The pilot program is funded by Verizon and seen as an easy extension to current programming as a large percentage of Boston Public Library customers use the in-house computers to get on the internet.
The Orange County Library System is an award-winning institution and recently won a national medal in recognition of their excellent programming. This could help them get another.
