The 2020 lockdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need for consistent, reliable high-speed broadband. While many people looked to the public library for Internet use, the sudden closure of the buildings removed a key access point. The library seized on its role to secure federal CARES funding to address this broadband gap, and to use its skill at building relationships to address other service needs with the public.

Immediately after the lockdown began, the library recognized its role in helping to address digital equity issues — and that device access alone was only part of the solution. A team came together remotely to address broadband gaps, device access, and digital literacy, and how they could all be deployed interdependently. When the library received an opportunity to purchase hotspots for long-term loan, the team deployed a procedure for dedicated follow-up and case management to go along with the hotspot loan.

570 hotspots were distributed to patrons across the county, reaching students, families, and contacts identified through partner human service organizations and aid providers. Staff conducted intake and followup interviews to identify additional areas of need, and provided library services and resources in response. This enabled staff to waive over $900 in fines, register people for new library cards, and distribute resource lists and instructions for online tutoring, e-books and language learning resources.