Ferndale Library Now Loans Out WiFi HotSpots

Ferndale Library Now Loans Out WiFi HotSpots
(FADL Press Release, Feb. 1, 2016)
FERNDALE, MI – This February, the Ferndale Library will bring one of its most popular and valuable services, internet access, into library patrons’ homes. Ferndale Area District Library recently joined T-Mobile’s WiFi HotSpot Pilot Program, lending devices for internet access to Ferndale Library patrons (age 18+) for one week at a time. The devices, which are smaller than an average smartphone, provide unlimited 4G LTE wireless internet access for up to ten mobile devices at once.
Ferndale Library patrons (with accounts in good standing) can now use their library cards to attain free, high-speed internet access for any device that connects to WiFi.  Going on a roadtrip? Make FADL your first stop and have guaranteed WiFi wherever you are. Camping? Forget roughing it! Bring the internet with you. Wherever and whenever you want to stay connected, this new lending program can help!
These devices also give home internet access to those who can’t afford it, which fits in directly with FADL’s mission of strengthening the community by providing access to materials and services that inform, enrich, entertain, and empower. The FADL has five T-Mobile WiFi Hotspots to lend to patrons at no cost, lasting through April 2016.
“In 21st century America, there’s an assumption that everyone has internet access,” says Jessica Keyser, Ferndale Library’s Director. “But the thousands of patrons that use our public computers each year show that this just isn’t true. Lending out mobile hotspots can help bridge that divide even more, by bringing access to people’s homes.”
The library was allowed to participate in this pilot program at no cost. In May, FADL will evaluate the success of the program and decide if they wish to invest money to purchase the devices and monthly plans, making the Hotspot program permanent. “We encourage everyone who tries out the HotSpots to turn in our short survey when they return the device,” says Keyser. “We need to know how the devices were used and whether patrons found them helpful. We hope the availability of the WiFi HotSpots will broaden access to our remote services, including downloadable books, audiobooks and videos through the Overdrive database, and the wealth of resources that can be accessed through the Michigan e-Library (MeL).”
Learn more about Ferndale Library offerings at http://www.ferndalepubliclibrary.org/.

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