Mobile Hotspots - Borrow the Internet from Your Library
Welcome to our Hotspot lending service. To further the Library’s mission to provide resources to serve the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the public, we are introducing our Hotspot lending program to make information – and more specifically the Internet – accessible to everyone. Auglaize County Libraries offers mobile Hotspots available for borrowing. You may borrow the device to access the Internet for free at home, in the car, or anywhere else you receive a cellular signal!
Mobile devices are part of a growing trend nationally in which public libraries are expanding services beyond traditional lending of books. These lending programs perform a critical role: in addition to providing basic broadband access to low-income residents, they allow patrons to access free e-books and other digital library resources, and the enable users to complete online job applications and perform other critical web-based process at home. Outreach efforts are also aimed at the elderly and disabled, who often need access to healthcare information.
What is a Hotspot?
A hotspot, or more exactly a mobile hotspot, is a small portable device about the size of a deck of cards that provides wireless Internet access, through a cellular signal, to your personal wireless enabled electronic device (a smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc.).
Where can I check out a Library Hotspot?
Library hotspots may be checked out from the Auglaize County Libraries.
Mobile Hotspot – Agreement & Guidelines for Borrowing and Use
ELIGIBILITY
- You must be 18 years of age or older to check out a Hotspot.
- A patron must have held a library card for at least two (2) months prior to borrowing a hotspot.
- A patron’s card must be active and in good standing. Good standing is defined as having up-to-date registration information, no fines or fees, and no overdue items.
- A valid Driver’s License or State ID, with a current address on file, must be presented at the time of checkout.
- You are limited to one Hotspot per account.
- You are limited to one Hotspot per household.
- An agreement must be signed at the time of checkout stating that you understand and will abide by these guidelines.
LOAN PERIOD
- Mobile Hotspots may be checked out for 14 days. Renewals are not permitted.
RESTRICTIONS
- Mobile Hotspots may only be borrowed from a patron’s registered library location.
- Mobile Hotspots must be returned in person to the loaning library. A staff member will perform a visual inspection to ensure the device and accessories are returned in good condition.
- Hotspots must not be placed in a library book drop. Doing so may cause damage, and the borrower will be responsible for replacement costs. Patrons who return hotspots in a book drop will be blocked from borrowing future hotspots.
- The Library reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who abuses equipment or repeatedly returns electronic devices late.
- Overdue Mobile Hotspots will be deactivated.
- Patrons/households must wait one (1) business day before checking out the same or another Hotspot after returning one.
- A patron may not use another person’s library card to check out a Hotspot on the same day, even with permission from that cardholder.
FINES & LIABILITY
- The overdue fine is $5.00 per day, with a maximum fine of $50.00.
- Mobile Hotspots should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment and must not be left in a vehicle.
- Patrons are responsible for all costs associated with the loss or damage of the Mobile Hotspot and/or its accessories (cords, adapters, cases, etc.).
REPLACEMENT COSTS
- Hotspot Device, Cords, Adapters – $150.00
- Hotspot Plastic Case or Mesh Case – $21.00
- Patrons are not permitted to purchase their own replacement items.
- The Auglaize County Public District Library System is not responsible for websites visited while using the Mobile Hotspot.