Due to a generous grant from the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District was able to make an extra 128 Hotspots available for checkout during the COVID-19 crisis. By bringing essential WiFi services into the homes of families in Southern Nevada, the Hotspot lending program helps bridge the digital divide and gives students, parents, teachers and families working and studying remotely, access to a free and reliable internet connection.
When the governor of Nevada issued a mandate that closed all non-essential businesses, most government buildings were shut down, resulting in very limited access to public computers and WiFi. This created a situation where a home internet connection became critical to patrons who needed to file unemployment claims, complete job applications, and participate in online learning. The need for the Hotspots was tremendous and they were checked out 3,471 times from July to December, 2020. We continue to hear how important these devices were in a time of crisis from the families who used them including the following comments:
"Thank you for this service. It is a godsend to everyone, especially the low income and disabled community."
"A true blessing for distance learning. My child would have to go to the library Monday to Friday without it."
"Please continue this very valuable resource to all your patrons in the community!"
The Library District is grateful to the NV State Library and IMLS for recognizing and funding this immense need in our community.
