EAST LANSING, Mich. — Patrons of the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) can now check out hotspot portable Wi-Fi devices from the library.
The hotspots allow patrons to connect their wireless devices to Wi-Fi wherever they go. The hotspots provide wireless internet access for up to 10 devices at a time and patrons do not need a data port or wireless internet subscription to use them.
"We are excited to offer hotspots for our patrons to check out,” said ELPL Director Kristin Shelley. “This is a great new service that further helps ELPL move beyond our walls to provide access to information where our patrons are, whether that be in their homes, camping in the Upper Peninsula or taking a family vacation to the Rockies."
ELPL’s hotspots can only be checked out by patrons that are 18 years of age and older. Display boxes for the devices are placed on library shelves. To check them out, patrons just need to pick up a display box and take it to the front desk at the library. A library staff member will retrieve one of the devices, explain how it works and ask the patron to sign a user agreement acknowledging their responsibility to return or replace the contents of the hotspot kit and their willingness to abide by the library’s hotspot policy. If all of the hotspots are checked out, patrons can place holds on them with a library card in good standing.
Hotspots can be checked out with a library card in good standing for 21 days and one 21-day renewal is permitted if there are no holds on the device. Patrons are asked not to return the devices via ELPL’s book return. They should be returned to a library staff member at a public service desk so as not to damage the device and its accessories.
To check out or place a hold on a hotspot, patrons can visit ELPL at 950 Abbot Road. Hotspots can also be reserved online at http://www.elpl.org/content/hotspot-portable-wi-fi-units.