By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
As the Greater Grand Rapids area moves into the new year, the possibilities of many still working and attending school virtually remains high, which is why earlier in December the Kent District Library made the announcement that it has made it mobile wi-fi hotspots available at all of its 22 locations.
“Previously, they had only been available at seven more real locations,” said Elizabeth Guarino-Kozlowicz, KDL manager of library collections. “We’re hoping to help more patrons in Kent County as we continue to chip away at the digital divide.”
Another change is that patrons can now checkout a wi-fi hotspot for up to four months. In the past, it was for three weeks.
KDL has more than 1,000 hotspots available for checkout. The hotspots are part of the Beyond Books Collection and are available to library cardholders age 18 and older. Demand for the hotspots have been high especially since state guidelines have pushed many families to work and attend school from home. KDL staff estimates that currently about 800 of its hotspots are currently checked with about 200 hotspots having been loaned to Northview Public Schools and Kelloggsville High School.
“With an estimated 37,000 households without broadband Internet access in Kent County, during this time of crisis, it’s important to help as many people as we can,” said Carrie Wilson, director of library services at KDL. “With so many people working and learning from home, the need for Internet access is greater than ever before.”
To check out a hotspot, visit kdl.org and search on the term “hotspot” to place a hold. Hotspots can be picked up and returned at any KDL branch. People who live in the KDL service area and do not have a library card can register for one online at kdl.org/virtual or by calling616-784-2007.
A wi-fi hotspot is a small piece of equipment that will set up a wireless network that allows a houseful of people to connect to the Internet via cellular service.
