Bridging the Digital Divide Later this month, the Pasadena Public Library will have Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout at every branch library. The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library raised money for the purchase of 110 hotspots for use throughout the library system, while the La Pintoresca Library Associates funded the purchase of additional Chromebooks for the La Pintoresca Branch Library. The additions are a welcome part of the Library’s effort to bridge the digital divide for those without access to the internet. |
What's a Hotspot? As a mobile device, a hotspot provides a Wi-Fi link to the internet from any location. Hotspots can also provide Wi-Fi service to nearby devices simultaneously, which can benefit other household members. Chromebooks are laptops that can connect to the internet through any accessible Wi-Fi network— including the one you create with a hotspot. |
How to Get One The devices will be available to the public starting in mid October to library patrons with a valid library card. The checkout period is four weeks. One hotspot and one Chromebook can be checked out per card. Patrons must provide a signed lending agreement form in order to be able to check these items out. After the lending agrement is signed by the responsible party, a hotspot and/or Chromebook can be checked out with just the library card. |