Tuscarawas County Public Library System checking out Wi-Fi hotspots

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio - Along with checking out a book or movie of choice, area residents can now check out free Wi-Fi hotspots at any of the five branches of the Tuscarawas County Public Library Systems.

A new initiative has been taken at the TCPLS to allow free Internet access for up to fourteen days for card-carrying county citizens. The mobile hotspots will allow individuals to connect to the Internet from anywhere, anytime with a Wi-Fi device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Each hotspot, which runs under the T-Mobile government plan, will allow Wi-Fi connections to up to fifteen devices.

The libraries were able to begin the initiative due to money granted by the CARES Act, which gave financial support to libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"With the CARES Act, there was some grant money that became available for the library to get this initiative started through the end of this year," said TCPLS Support Services Manager Cara Randall.

Through the five branches of the TCPLS - located in Bolivar, Strasburg, Tuscarawas, and two locations in New Philadelphia - 50 hotspots will be available to check out.

Cardholders that are interested in using the hotspots must abide by the Library's Electronic Access & Makerspace Policy, as well as be responsible for the costs associated with lost or damaged devices.