Beginning Monday, the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library will begin checking out laptops and tablets for library patrons.
A news release says the library received a portion of the $7.17 billion made available through the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund. The program was created to help schools and libraries provide the tools and services their communities need for remote learning when necessary.
The local library is one of 26 in Kentucky that received funding to purchase laptops and tablets. DeeAnna Sova, Executive Director, shared, “One thing that came from the pandemic shutdown was the need for public libraries to find ways to meet patron technology needs. The Emergency Connectivity Funding will provide library card holders the opportunity to check out laptops for use inside and outside of the library and tablets to be used inside of the library.”
The has 18 desktop computers currently available for public use. The addition of the laptops and tablets, provides more technology for the community.
The library implemented a mobile hotspot lending program through funding by the Friends of the Library organization in the Fall of 2020. The addition of the laptop checkouts will create a digital toolbox for patrons that may not have a computer or internet access at their home.