The Edmonton Public Library has added Wi-Fi to the list of products available to adult members to borrow.
On Wednesday, the EPL began loaning Wi-Fi hot spots with unlimited data to adult library cardholders as part of a two-year pilot program.
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The project will allow customers to access the internet through their devices using 40 hot spots.
“We know many Edmontonians don’t have home internet access, and EPL is committed to providing people the skills and support they need to participate in the digital world,” Pilar Martinez, EPL’s chief executive officer, said.
“This innovative program will provide a key tool for access to learning and information to those who need it most.”
EPL said its customers spent 1.4 million hours online using its computers and Wi-Fi last year, a 14 per cent increase from 2014.
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Customers are able to put a Wi-Fi hot spot on hold, and borrow it for up to three weeks. If the hot spot isn’t returned on time, the full cost of $210 will be charged to a customer’s account the day after the item is due. If the item is returned after the due date, the lost fee will be removed and an overdue fee of $1 per day will be added to the person’s account.
Those who want use a hot spot will receive a demonstration on how to use it, as well as an information brochure outlining connection and troubleshooting instructions, and borrowing details.
READ MORE: EPL named 2014 Library of the Year
In 2014, EPL was named Library of the Year by Library Journal magazine and Gale Cengage Learning. It was the first time a Canadian library won the title.
Watch Below: The Edmonton Public Library is taking its goal to provide access to information to a new level. As Quinn Ohler reports, it’s becoming the second library in Canada to offer take-home Wi-Fi.