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 now 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!
The new collection of Mobile Hotspots has been made possible in part thanks to the generosity of Arby's in Wapakoneta. Mobile devices are part of a growing trend nationally in which public libraries are expanding services beyond traditional lending of books, DVDs, and CDs. 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 Hotspots are popular and you will most likely need to place a hold to reserve one. For questions about placing holds please contact your local library - http://auglaizelibraries.org/hrsloc .
Mobile Hotspot – Agreement & Guidelines for Borrowing and Use
- You must be 18 years of age or older to check out a Hotspot.
- A valid Driver’s License/State ID and Library Card in good standing, 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 the guidelines and will abide by what you have read.
Loan Period: Mobile Hotspots may be checked out for 14 days. Renewals are not permitted on Mobile Hotspots.
Restrictions:
- Mobile Hotspots may not be renewed.
- Mobile Hotspots must be returned in person to loaning library. A staff person will do a visual check to ensure that the device and accessories are returned in good condition.
- Hotspots should never be placed in Library book drop – they could be damaged and you will be responsible for replacement costs. Patrons will be blocked from borrowing future hotspots if returned in book drop.
- The Library reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who abuses equipment or is repeatedly late in returning electronic devices.
- Overdue Mobile Hotspots will be deactivated.
- Patron must wait 1 business day before checking out the same or another hotspot after returning one. Patron is not permitted to use another card for check out the same day even with permission from that card holder.
Fines & Liability:
- The overdue fine is $5 per day, maximum of $50.
- Mobile Hotspot should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment; do not leave it in a car.
- Patrons are responsible for costs associated with loss or damage of Mobile Hotspot and/or cords, adapters, cases, etc.
- Replacement Costs:
- Hotspot Device $150.00
- Patrons are not permitted to purchase their own replacement items.
- The Auglaize County Public District Library System is not responsible for websites visited on the Mobile Hotspot.