Long Term Lending Program
Baltimore County Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Access to technology and the internet has become as vital as access to books. Community anchors, like libraries, are critical providers of access through long-standing initiatives, like public computers and free WiFi. Recognizing that it is as important to have access to information at home as in public spaces, Baltimore County Public Library implemented an innovative program, Long-Term Lending, that provides six-month loans of Chromebooks and WiFi routers to low-income households. This initiative is a powerful tool in addressing structural racism, digital inequity and promoting social justice within Baltimore County. Through this program, low-income households gain the necessary tools to participate in education and career opportunities, social services and civic life. The loss of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has amplified the importance of providing continued access to the digital world for those who need it most in a manner that ensures dignity and privacy.
Challenge/Opportunity
In Baltimore County, there are significant pockets of unconnected and under-connected households that can be directly tied to affordability of connectivity. These households are not living in rural areas that lack broadband connectivity but are in locations where the biggest barrier to connectivity is the cost of service. Many households are only realizing the depth of their need for reliable connectivity after extensive difficulties with schoolwork, telehealth and other online activities of daily living during the pandemic. With the reduction of support available during and immediately after the pandemic, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households and those living below the poverty level were left without longer-term connectivity options. Since the library is a trusted institution where people feel safe, we knew we had the opportunity to connect those households with long-term loans for a Chromebook and hotspot.
Key Elements of Innovation
For it to be successful, it needed to provide connectivity for longer than the normal library loan period. We used the qualification requirements already in place for ACP to help streamline the application process. From there, it’s a one-on-one communication path to connect the cardholder with either a Chromebook, router or both for three months, with an option to renew for another three. The routers chosen can connect to 30 devices — critical in a household that may need to do school, work and recreational activities on the internet at the same time. Tying qualification to ACP was a big part, as we were able to transition borrowers from the long-term lending service to permanent connectivity with ACP with ease knowing they qualified. While the original iteration of ACP is now dissolved due to federal funding, we are still looking for ways to serve customers after their loans expire, like offering education and skill-building specifically related to acquiring broadband services.
Achieved Outcomes
The Long-Term Lending Program has been a significant boon to many households in Baltimore County over the past 14 months. Initially, the program started with 150 devices, and it has expanded to over 200 devices, including 58 Chromebooks and 150 high-speed internet routers. Currently, 208 devices are loaned, and the lifetime circulation is 583. Applications for the program have been processed for 34 out of the 51 zip codes in Baltimore County, with the largest numbers coming from areas with high SVI numbers. The program has seen nearly 800 applications from Baltimore County residents, with about 8% of applications coming from Baltimore City residents and around 2% from other counties within Maryland. We are pleased with the popularity of this innovative program, which continues to serve many underserved Baltimore County residents as they await the implementation of statewide broadband initiatives.
