With
high-speed internet access hard to find in many of Illinois’ rural areas, some
public libraries are trying something new: letting patrons check out free
wireless hotspots that can connect to the internet just about anywhere.
Recently
the public libraries in Princeville and Brimfield received hotspot grants as part of the DigitalLead: Rural Libraries Creating New Possibilities project.
The Lillie M. Evans Library in Princeville received 7 mobile hotspot
devices while the Brimfield Public Library District received 10 devices. Both received free wireless coverage for each
device for a one-year period.
This grant was provided by the Public
Library Association and Microsoft Corp. to help rural populations reap the
benefits of broadband internet connectivity. Rural
libraries are critical for communities to achieve digital access and skills and
the resultant employment, economic, educational, and health benefits, often
providing the only free access to computers, the Internet, and training in
their regions.
The
devices connect to the Sprint 4G LTE network and create a Wi-Fi network,
allowing users to connect up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled computers or electronic
devices. Patrons must have a library
card in good standing, sign a Hotspot Patron Agreement Form and reside within
the library district. More information
can be found on each library’s website. For LME Library, go to http://bit.ly/LMEhotspots
The United States as a whole has fallen behind other
developed countries in internet download speeds. According to a recent Microsoft
study, 162.8 million people do not use the internet at broadband
speeds, and almost 66 million people have low levels of digital readiness,
according to the American
Library Association. Libraries provide essential services to
populations most affected by these challenges, particularly rural and
low-income communities.