Library offers five mobile hotspots through CARES act

Washington State Library (WSL) announced that Cathlamet Public Library was selected to receive a $2,000 grant to advance digital equity in Wahkiakum County. Provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the funding will be used by the library to provide patron access to the internet away from library facilities and help close the digital divide, by making five mobile hotspots available for checkout.

The hotspots will allow patrons to complete tasks that require internet access such as completion of school assignments; looking for and applying for jobs, assistance, and housing; connecting with others via videoconferencing; accessing consumer health information or attending a telemedicine appointment; downloading e-books and e-audiobooks, and other generic uses of the internet. Patrons may also use the hotspots to test cellular data availability before selecting a cellular broadband service.

Hotspots can be checked out for three weeks, and are available on a first-come-first-served basis. They may be renewed only once, and are not guaranteed to work in all locations.

Circulation rules are that mobile hotspot borrowers must:

• Sign a copy of the complete hotspot policy.

• Be at least 18 years of age, with a Cathlamet Public Library account in good standing.

• Checkout no more than one hotspot per household at a time.

• Abide by the library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

• Assume any and all liability for the cost, repair, or replacement in the event of loss due to theft, damage, negligence, misuse or failure to return.

• Return the device and all accessories in the travel case provided. Hotspots may be returned to the library during open hours or placed in the library’s book drop.

“All community members have the right to digital resources like high speed broadband that are essential for learning, working, and daily life,” said librarian, Carol Blix. “Our library strives to provide barrier-free access to broadband, and this CARES Act grant will put us closer to that goal.”