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Winfield Public Library Offers Chromebooks, Hot Spots, and Ereaders for Check-out

The Winfield Public Library is offering personal hotspots and Chromebooks for check-out, joining e-readers as electronic devices available from WPL. Hotspots can be taken home and checked out for 2 weeks. Chromebooks are for use on WPL’s campus and can be checked out for 90 minutes.

Thanks to a grant from the American Library Association, personal hotspots are available at WPL to 67156 residents to provide internet access to families and households that lack Wifi services. The hotspots are easy to use and allow users to connect their laptop, tablet, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices to the internet. Hot spots can be checked out for 2 weeks without a renewal. Patrons must be over 18 years old, have a WPL library card and a Kansas driver’s license or id, and be in good standing. The replacement cost for a lost or damaged hotspot package is $170.00. Hotspots cannot be placed on hold and curbside service is not available for them.

Also funded by grant monies, Chromebooks are available for use anywhere on WPL’s campus (inside the building, on our back patio, and in our parking lot). While chairs are unavailable currently inside WPL, these Chromebooks are perfect for people who need a computer but would rather be outside and for those who are unable to wear a mask and would like to work in their cars. Chromebooks can be checked out for 90 minutes without a renewal. Patrons must be over 18 years old, have a WPL library card and a Kansas driver’s license or id, and be in good standing. The replacement cost for a lost or damaged Chromebook package is $358.00. Curbside service is not available for the Chromebooks. Patron will need to save their files to their personal cloud accounts or personal flash drives as all files will be wiped clean from the Chromebook upon return.

E-readers are available for check-out! Each ereader comes in a hard case. Included are instructions that explain how to change the size of the font and background light to make reading an easy experience. Customers need to have a WPL library card and be in good standing. Ereaders can be checked out for three weeks. Visit wpl.org to find out more about how to get ebooks using your WPL library card. Ereaders and Chromebooks are made possible through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

To find out more about any of these devices, call Winfield Public Library (620-221-4470) or visit wpl.org and click on “Ebooks & Electronics.” Current and upcoming WPL programs include the Summer Reading program, a Puzzle Exchange, our Teen Program, The Beekeeper of Aleppo book talk, and Grab & Go Craft Kits for all ages.