Tangi Library Director Barry Bradford says local libraries now offer mobile hot spots for residents who need high-speed internet—at no charge.
The library, of course, provides computers with high speed Internet, as well as Wi-Fi access points with a range of up to 100 yards from each of its branches. They are open and free to use any time of day or night.
People who live in rural areas, where Internet companies have not found it cost-effective to run fiber, face this problem on a daily basis. They must rely on satellite networks, which can be expensive and slow at times.
To help alleviate this problem the library has purchased mobile hotspots to loan to patrons. A mobile hotspot is a device that is tethered to a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, and which gives it access to the Internet through cell towers. To check one out you must be 18 years old or older, live in Tangipahoa Parish, have had a library card for at least six months, and a valid government ID. The hotspots check out for 7 days and once brought back, may be checked out again after a 24-hour waiting period. They may not be placed in a book drop but must be returned to a staff person during library hours. It is important to remember that because they are not within the library’s networks, information coming through the hotspot is not filtered. Security concerns have been addressed by providing each hotspot with a password, which is included with the device along with instructions on how to connect it. The hotspots have unlimited data and are available now for check out.
For more information on mobile hotspots call, email or chat with us through our website – www.tangilibrary.com.
