Library system addressing need for access to technology
A grant received by the North Trails Public Library is making laptops and Wi-Fi hot spots available at libraries in the Butler County Federated Library System.
Kathy Kline, extension services director of the library system, said she applied for the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program through the Federal Communications Commission to purchase 50 Lenovo laptops and 50 AT&T hot spots to fill unmet technology needs in Butler County.
The library received $20,000 for laptops and $10,000 for hot spot services, Kline said. The technology will be available for check out at any of the libraries in the library system, and patrons can borrow them for up to a year at a time.
“It is to help bridge that digital divide,” Kline said of the grant. “It could be a child who needs it for distance learning. Maybe they have Wi-Fi or connectivity on their road and just can't afford a device. You tell us what your unmet need is.”
Kelly Terwilliger, children's program coordinator at the North Trails Public Library, said she previously was a technology coordinator at Karns City Area School District, where internet connectivity was not the most consistent. Now that a lot of schools and classes have moved lessons online because of the coronavirus pandemic, students without current technology could be at a loss.
“I think any of our rural areas are at a disadvantage with being able to use tech and connectivity,” Terwilliger said. “A lot of teachers are still using the technology component. They use videos, and we are going to incorporate that into our summer reading program.”
Kline said the new technology will be available for adults as well. Because many students around Butler County have received laptops through their schools, she expects more adults to be in need of the technology than children.
“I have a couple families up here who come to the library to use the library computers to apply for unemployment,” Kline said. “That's an unmet need where they need something more substantial to be able to do more online.”
According to Kline, the laptops will come with Windows 10 installed, so users will have to install any other programs they need. Patrons can renew their laptop or hot spot at any library in the system once their due date comes, but they have to bring it with them, so a librarian can make sure it is in good shape.
Kline said the grant will fund the technology through 2023, but she expects to be able to get more money to keep the laptops and hot spots functional for even longer.
Patrons of a library in the system can call the North Trails Public Library at 724-476-1006 for information on checking out a hot spot or laptop. The technology will begin to be distributed Monday, according to Kline.
Kline said she hopes to see people use these new laptops.
“As long as it's educational and serves an unmet need, you can check one out,” Kline said.
