Beginning May 1, Evanston residents who are cardholders of the Evanston Public Library can “borrow the Internet” through a new Wi-Fi HotSpot pilot lending program. Evanston Public Library is one of just a handful of libraries in the Chicago area to provide access to the Internet through a mobile Wi-Fi device that can be checked out from the Library.
Patrons age 16 or older with a valid photo ID can check out a Wi-Fi HotSpot for four weeks to receive free Internet access through the Sprint network. This pilot program may prove especially helpful to those residents who do not have Internet access in their
own homes Pew Research Center findings continue to demonstrate that households in all areas of the country lack Internet access.
Library Director Karen Danczak Lyons said, “While the Evanston Public Library offers free access to computers and Wi-Fi within our walls, along with skilled staff to assist in research, our residents need the ability to continue their work at home during hours when the Evanston Public Library is closed. With the launch of the Wi-Fi HotSpot lending program, we are taking another important step in filling the digital divide.”
Anyone wishing more information about EPL’s Wi-Fi HotSpot lending program may call 847-448-8620.