Tech Connect

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

While libraries have been working to mend the digital divide for many years, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the issue to the forefront across the nation. In 2021, to help bridge the divide, San Diego County Library (SDCL) applied for and received a $4.3 million grant from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to purchase 7,000 laptops and 7,000 wireless hotspots as part of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF). Using data from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NITA) and the San Diego County Health Equity Index, SDCL created the Tech Connect program, identifying communities with the highest need and working with community-based organizations, library branches, and County departments to allow residents to check out devices across the County. In addition to distributing 7,000 Tech Connect kits, over 3,500 new customers received library cards. As a result, this program not only brought technology to those with limited access, but it also introduced a new group of customers to all the services and resources the library has to offer.