KANSAS STATE LIBRARY

TOPEKA–A pilot project administered by the State Library of Kansas is allowing 19 Kansas libraries, including six in western Kansas, to lend portable Wi-Fi Hotspot devices to patrons wishing to expand the library’s Internet access.

“Many Kansas residents rely on library Internet for job searching, homework help, and e-government so when the doors close, so does their connection,” said State Librarian Jo Budler in a news release. “Too many Kansas households do not have Internet access and this pilot project has the potential to provide 24/7 quality access to those limited to the library’s operating hours.”

Patrons can check out Wi-Fi Hotspot devices, with unlimited data usage, now through 2015 by visiting participating libraries. Borrowers must be 18 to check out the device and are required to fill out a customer survey to help the State Library determine possibilities of expanding the program to more libraries.

Both the device and monthly service fees are funded by a grant from the Knight Foundation, through New York Public Library.

Participating Libraries

Atchison Public Library
Carbondale City Library
Clearwater Public Library
Coffeyville Public Library
Effingham Public Library
Goodland Public Library
Great Bend Public Library
Hamilton County Library (Syracuse)
Haysville Public Library
Independence Public Library
Jay Johnson Public Library (Quinter)
Jetmore City Library
Leavenworth Public Library
Lyndon Carnegie Library
Mary Cotton Public Library (Sabetha)
Meriden-Ozawkie Public Library
Silver Lake Public Library
Stanton County Public Library (Johnson)
Wetmore Public Library

The State Library of Kansas provides quality library services and resources through your local library, including downloadable e-books (for adults and children), audio books, and online databases. To learn more visit www.kslib.info.