New East Gwillimbury library program offers free WiFi hotspots

Yorkregion.com
July 28, 2016
By Simon Martin

The one downside about going on summer vacation is finding reliable Wi-Fi wherever you are going.

The East Gwillimbury Public Library might have a solution for you with its newest service.
Check Out the Internet is a program where library patron can borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot device that provides Internet access anywhere in Canada. Anyone over 18 years of age with a library card can borrow the device for 14 days. The hotspot can be used at-home, the cottage, on a road trip or anywhere else you may need Internet.

EG Public Library services co-ordinator Monika Conduit said the program is about expanding the resources that the library provides to its patrons.

“It is really creating digital diversity,” Conduit said.

While the library offers free Wi-Fi at its Mount Albert and Holland Landing locations, Conduit said the program might be beneficial for patrons needing extended Internet use at home.

The program has become quite popular and if the demand continues, the library might have to purchase more hotspots, Conduit said.

Currently, they have 10 devices split between the Mount Albert and Holland landing branches.

“We are happy to see how fast they are going out,” Conduit said.

Another group who might be able to benefit from the service are people in East Gwillimbury who don’t have access to high-speed Internet. Before launching the program, officials went out to all corners of East Gwillimbury to test out the hotspots and Conduit said they were pleased with the speed.

Much like a library book, people can sign out the hotspots or place a hold on one with the use of a library card.

“It’s totally free,” Conduit added.

Patrons get unlimited internet use for the 14 days and the hotspot can connect with up to 10 devices.

The library is always trying to expand its offerings to better meet the needs of East Gwillimbury residents. Another innovative program they launched this year is loaning out passes to the Sharon Temple which allows two adults and three kids access to the Temple free of charge.