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Date: 1/18/2022
EASTHAMPTON – The Emily Williston Memorial Library announced that they now have Wi-Fi hotspots in circulation for patrons to borrow. With the goal of “digital inclusion,” the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has distributed over 3,000 hotspots to 220 public libraries for loan. The hotspots are funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Emily Williston Memorial Library Director Katya Schapiro said this initiative started pre-pandemic because having internet connectivity has become a necessity for modern life, especially during this time.
She said, “One of the main things that libraries offer patrons are very important services such as internet connectivity. We offer public computers – we offer access to the internet. Most libraries offer Wi-Fi in the library, and that’s really important to people who have no other way to access the Internet. So, I think libraries got in the mobile hotspot game for the exact reason. We wanted to be able to expand our patron’s access to a really necessary service.”
The library has a total of five T-Mobile network hotspots available, which can support up to 10 devices at a time, including computers, laptops, tablets and phones. Residents interested in borrowing a hotspot must have a certified Massachusetts library card or be registered in the library system, and borrowing time is for two weeks, without renewals. Furthermore, the library stated that all hotspot borrowers must be 17 years or older and in good standing with the library.
Interested borrowers can check on the library’s website to see if any are available. Shapiro stated it works as a circulation item, and if there is one still available, patrons can schedule a same-day appointment to pick it up. The library notes that they cannot hold hotspots later than the appointment day.
Schapiro said that the Forbes Library in Northampton also offers hotspots, and each library may handle the program differently, so patrons should check with them directly.
The Emily Williston Library is located at 9 Park St. For more information or to reserve a mobile hotspot, they can be reached at 527-1031. Their hours of operation are Monday through Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the mobile hotspots, visit https://ewmlibrary.org/borrow-a-hotspot/.