For residents suffering from internet connectivity issues while sheltering in place, the Redwood City Public Library has a solution.
Hotspots, or personal Wi-Fi devices that can support residents with limited or no connectivity at home, are now available to check out through the Downtown Library Curbside Pick-up service. To reserve a hotspot, call (650) 780-7018, ext. 4, or email rcplcurbside@redwoodcity.org.
“When one is available, it will be checked out to your library account for pick-up within three curbside service days,” according to the city.
The Redwood City Library offers 235 hotspots, according to the Redwood City Library Foundation (RCLF), which has helped the Library purchase more of them in response to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place period.
“The digital divide has never been more apparent than during the current pandemic shelter-in-place restrictions,” RCLF said.
The Library launched the Bridging the Digital Divide program to allow home checkout of hotspots in 2017, with support from RCLF. In March, the partnership purchased 100 new hotspots to aid those without internet connection at home, with a majority benefiting local students who were launching into distance learning.
For those wanting to donate to the Bridging the Digital Program, go here.
Photo credit: Redwood City Public Library
