Among certain LA County communities, roughly 40% of the population is without internet at home, relying on libraries for access. Even in areas with high rates of internet connection, more than 10% of residents do not have highspeed broadband. The challenge was converting in-library computer and internet services, used over 5 million times last year, to a distribution system through our Sidewalk Service, lessening the digital divide and providing essential connections for employment opportunities, schoolwork and more.

The library is among the first in the LA area to offer a take-home kit that includes a laptop, wireless hotspot, chargers and instructions to fully enable those impacted by the digital divide. The IT team repurposed materials from stock on hand to assemble 60 kits for public use at 10 pilot libraries in communities with low household internet subscription rates. Kit checkout and Printing Pickup are offered through our Sidewalk Service, which follows public health standards to ensure the safety of public and staff.

During the pilot program of the take-home kits, all 60 were borrowed within the first week, with over 300 holds placed, indicating a greater need than current inventory can meet. The program’s next phase includes procuring 700 more devices and making kits available to all 67 Sidewalk Service locations, plus four Bookmobiles. Appreciative comments on social media include how imperative these services have been for customers’ school or work needs, and how it “saved them” because they do not have computer or internet access.