In this day and age, having no internet in ones home can present a myriad of challenges. A new service from the Fort Worth Library aims to help provide needed resources to those without a home connection.
A new pilot program provides Wi-Fi hotspot check-out in economically-challenged neighborhoods throughout Fort Worth, according to a news release.
“Offering this service gives individuals and families who often rely on the library’s free Wi-Fi the ability to access information outside of library hours,” Library Director Manya Shorr said in the release. “Whether searching for jobs, doing homework, research or just having fun, now people can take home the internet to use on up to 10 devices.”
Friends of the Fort Worth Public Library has funded the pilot program, which launched July 3 with 20 devices available at four locations:
— Cavile Outreach Opportunity Library (COOL), 5060 Ave. G.
— East Berry, 4300 E. Berry St.
— Northside, 601 Park St.
— Seminary South, 501 E. Bolt St.
According to the release, the service is available to those in good standing with a Fort Worth resident library card.
Patrons are able to place holds on the hotspots and pick them up at one of the four pilot branches. Each check-out lasts three weeks. If there are no holds, patrons can renew their check-out up to two consecutive times.
Additionally, library staff at the four locations are trained to help participants learn how to use the service.