Bridging the Digital Divide: Laptop & Hotspot Loans, Park & Connect, and Printing Pickup

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

LA County Library’s new technology-focused services offer many ways for countless LA County residents who lack reliable internet or access to computers at home to gain the connectivity essential for their lives, making steps toward bridging the digital divide. As COVID-19 forced libraries to close to the public, and shifted many activities online, LA County Library quickly developed methods for bringing connectivity to those who need it most, creating outdoor and take-home solutions as alternatives to it’s popular in-library computers and Wi-Fi. Laptop & Hotspot Loans allow customers to borrow a Chromebook laptop and wireless hotspot for 3 weeks, just like a book, with the option to renew. Park & Connect expanded existing Wi-Fi at select libraries to the entirety of the parking lot, allowing anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled device to get connected with ease. Finally, a Printing Pickup program at all 80 locations offering Sidewalk Service, allows customers to print 10 pages daily using a wireless printing app and pick them up like any other item.