This week, Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) announced that it is lending out 100 mobile hot spots to community members in the most rural areas of Charleston County.
The Kajeet devices were awarded to CCPL through a grant designed to expand digital network access.
Earlier this year CCPL’s executive director Angela Craig realized the importance of expanding the library’s digital reach, a need made more clear by the in-person limits set in place by the coronavirus pandemic.
In May Craig told the City Paper, “We realized we needed to serve our patrons differently. It’s made us think of patrons who don’t have digital access, who are part of the digital divide. We’ve kept building Wi-Fi on [for each branch] and we’re lucky to have buildings in rural areas to close some gaps.”
In this week’s press release Craig said: “While we know 100 additional devices are not enough, we believe it’s a step in the right direction and we are committed to further efforts in narrowing that gap.”
The hotspots will be dedicated specifically for patrons using the following branches: St. Paul’s/Hollywood Library, Edisto Island Library and McClellanville Library. All hot spots may be checked out at these locations by adult library cardholders for a period of four weeks and are not renewable.
To check out a hot spot, adult patrons must have a library card and sign an Internet Acceptable Use Agreement form at a CCPL branch before or when checking out the device. Learn more online at ccpl.org.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.