St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library will offer Wi-Fi hotspots for check-out starting December 15, 2017. The mobile hotspots will allow people to connect to the internet, from anywhere, anytime with a Wi-Fi enabled device.
St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library are coming together to help close the digital divide in the St. Louis region. According to American FactFinder (2016 American Community Survey), 22% of the households in the City of St. Louis do not have internet access. In St. Louis County, 11% have no internet access. Offering mobile internet service to Library cardholders will help keep the region connected by giving patrons, who otherwise may not have access, the chance to connect to the digital world from anywhere.
Waller McGuire, Executive Director of the St. Louis Public Library said, “Our libraries work together to provide St. Louis with vital connections to the digital world. People throughout the region rely on their library for access to the internet and everything it connects us with: work, school, entertainment, even government. Hotspots allow our patrons to carry that connection home or wherever they need it!”
Kristen Sorth, Director of the St. Louis County Library said, "We are thrilled to partner with St. Louis Public Library on another project that impacts people in the region. Meaningful internet access is essential for economic stability and educational attainment. By addressing the digital divide, we are providing important infrastructure for our community."
Any SLPL adult cardholder in good standing can check-out a Wi-Fi hotspot for 21 days. Patrons can request a hotspot online through the catalog at slpl.org, at any circulation desk or by calling 314-241-2288. The devices can be renewed if no one else has requested one. The hotspot comes with step-by-step instructions. For more information about borrowing a hotspot from St. Louis Public Library, please call 314-241-2288 or visit www.slpl.org/slpl-hotspots.
Any SLCL adult cardholder in good standing can check-out a Wi-Fi hotspot for 14 days. Patrons can request a hotspot at the circulation desk or by calling 314-994-3300. The devices can be renewed if no one else has requested one. The hotspot comes with step-by-step instructions. For more information about borrowing a hotspot from St. Louis County Library, please call 314-994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org/wi-fi-hotspots. Program sites are accessible. Upon two weeks’ notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314-994-3300, or visit www.slcl.org.
