The provincial government announced a round of funding this week intended to help libraries better connect people to web-based information and opportunities. Huntsville Public Library (HPL) was among the recipients, receiving a $4,860 Improving Library Digital Services grant that it will use to purchase a third Wi-Fi hotspot that library patrons can check out for unlimited Internet access at home.
“The funding supports connecting the community with technologies,” said Deb Duce, HPL’s CEO/Chief Librarian. “(The hotspots) are very popular and users express their enthusiasm when they return them.”
Most of the funds will be used to purchase the device and support the monthly fees for all three of the library’s lendable hotspots, said Duce. “The remainder will be used to purchase technologies that ‘suddenly appear’ and catch the interests of users of all ages.”
HPL announced the purchase of the first two hotspots in March. Library patrons can check out the HPL Hotspots for up to seven days that will provide unlimited access to the Internet for that time period. There is no data cap on the devices which receive signals from Rogers cell towers. Any portable devices can connect via Wi-Fi; users who want to connect a desktop computer can do that via a USB cable.
This week’s announcement comes as Ontario Public Library Week is about to kick off. Click here for details on programs happening in Huntsville.
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