#Connect At Home

Need more time to look for jobs online? Sharing a device with other family members? Feel like you're missing out on opportunities to use library resources like e-books and other e-content?

Check out a laptop and/or a Wi-Fi hotspot from your neighborhood library and connect to the internet on your terms! Devices are available to Library cardholders in good standing, ages 18 and older. If you don't already have a library card, click here to sign up!

What can I borrow?

An eligible customer may borrow one Chromebook and/or one Wi-Fi hotspot for 21 days. Each device may be renewed for up to two additional 21-day loan periods so long as no one has reserved the device and is waiting.

How do I know what's available?

To see what's currently available (or to place a hold on a device), click the links below:

Hotspots
Laptops

Where can I borrow a device?

Devices are available for checkout at the following locations:

Main Library - 303 N. Laura St.
Bradham and Brooks Branch - 1755 Edgewood Avenue W
Brentwood Branch - 3725 N. Pearl St.
Brown Eastside Branch - 1390 Harrison St.
Dallas Graham Branch - 2304 Myrtle Ave. N.
Webb Wesconnett Regional Library - 6887 103rd St.
Westbrook Branch - 2809 Commonwealth Ave.

You can also visit any of the seven locations listed above or call us at (904) 255-BOOK (2665). Right now, devices can only be checked out at one of these seven locations. Unlike other library materials, they cannot be transferred to another branch. For this reason, devices must be returned to the branch from which they were borrowed.

What if I'm late returning a device?

While we'd like every library material to be returned on time, we know that life happens. But that's also why we require customers who check out a device to have an email address on file. That way, you can receive friendly email reminders and overdue notices.

Please note: Chromebooks and hotspots will be deactivated (remotely) the day after the due date.

You'll also receive the following notices:

Friendly Reminder (Email or Text) – 3 days before the due date
First (Email) Overdue Notice – 7 days after the due date
Third (Email) Overdue Notice – 21 days after the due date
Lost Bill* – 42 days after due date
Account Sent to Collections* at 63 days after due date

*For more information please read Library policies.

#Tips for Using Borrowed Devices

Using a Chromebook

The Chromebook has a built-in webcam so that users may participate in video calls or meetings. You will be able to save your work to a flash drive or Google Drive. Chromebooks do not have a CD drive.

Some other things to keep in mind while borrowing and using the Chromebook:

Keep the device in its carrying bag and in a safe place while not in use.
Chromebooks perform best in relatively cool areas. Avoid using for long periods in direct sunlight or humid conditions.
Eat or drink away from the device.
Remove power cords from an outlet by the plug rather than by the cord.

Using a Wi-Fi Hotspot

To connect to the internet on your device, you'll need to enter the "Network Security Key" or password. That prevents just anyone who happens to be nearby from picking up the signal and connecting to it, too.

The password can be found in two places:

On the printed sheet of the case
In the menu of the hotspot, under the 2.4 GHz options

Please note: These hotspots can only be used in the Continental US, Canada, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The Hotspot filters most gaming, social media, and streaming websites. Customers can access all of the Library’s media platforms: Flipster, Hoopla, Kanopy, LinkedIn Learning, Overdrive, Tumblebook, and all remote access databases.

Pro Tip: Explore the Digital Library & FREE Digital Resources

Take this opportunity to check out our Digital Library of free e-books, music, streaming movies and more! Or learn a new skill with on-demand video tutorials from LinkedInLearning and Transparent Language Online.

For more tips and a quick overview of our most popular apps, read Using the Digital Library.

How was this project funded?

This project was funded under the provisions of the DLIS Florida American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Florida’s DLIS Florida ARPA program is administered by the Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services.

Laptop