Citywide Initiative Sponsored by Google Addresses Digital Divide
Library HotSpot program lends patrons 4G wireless internet devices for a year of home internet access
Brooklyn, New York—Brooklynites gathered at Macon Library in Bedford-Stuyvesant on Monday to claim free personal MiFi devices through the Library HotSpot Program, allowing many library patrons to access the internet at home for the first time.
The program was made possible by a grant from Google, as well as support from the Knight News Challenge—an initiative of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation—and the Robin Hood Foundation. It aims to bridge the digital divide by loaning mobile HotSpot devices to 10,000 households through the city's three public library systems. Brooklyn Public Library received 3,000 HotSpot devices, and has distributed nearly two-thirds of them.
“The internet has changed the way people learn, seek employment and engage with their community,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “We are proud to offer Brooklynites free internet access not only in our 60 branches, but also, with the Library HotSpot program, in their own homes.”
Since its launch in December, Library HotSpot has distributed thousands of MiFi devices in communities where the digital divide is most pronounced. Twenty-two Brooklyn branches located throughout the borough have participated in the program. Families can use the hotspot to connect desktops, laptops, cell phones and tablets to the internet. Each device is powered by an unlimited data plan from Sprint and can connect up to ten mobile devices over the course of a one-year loan period.
“Every New Yorker should be able to access fast, reliable broadband internet,” said William Floyd, Google’s Head of External Affairs for New York. “Thanks to the Library HotSpot program, 10,000 households in New York City will now enjoy the many benefits of being better connected to the world around them.”
New York City Council Member Robert Cornegy Jr. was on-hand to praise the program and speak to the need for internet connectivity in his district.
“The internet is a gateway to knowledge and opportunity in the 21st century, which means that internet access is too important for Brooklyn households to wait," said Council Member Cornegy. “I applaud Brooklyn Public Library, Google and their partners for this innovative Library HotSpot program, which is moving us toward the goal of making the digital divide a thing of the past."
Brooklyn Public Library patrons who do not have home internet access are eligible to borrow devices for one year if they are enrolled in one of BPL's adult education or inclusion programs, including ESOL, Adult Basic Education or a Citizenship Preparation class. BPL also delivers MiFi devices and conducts orientation sessions at home for those who are unable to visit their local library.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.bklynlibrary.org.
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