Library adds Wi-Fi hot spots to checkout offerings

Mid-Missouri residents can now check out Wi-Fi hot spots from the Missouri River Regional Library for vacations, meetings or any other time they may need internet on the go.

Patrons can check out one of nine Wi-Fi hot spots for three weeks at a time, said Natalie Newville, MRRL marketing coordinator. The library invested in the hot spots as it continues to move into the digital age and create programs that make it easier for people to use digital tools, she said.

MRRL's Jefferson City branch has five hot spots available. Its Osage County branch in Linn has two available, and the MRRL Bookmobile has two. Hot spots can be checked out for three weeks but must be returned after that time expires, as hot spot checkouts cannot be renewed.

The library still checks out books, videos and magazines, but also checks out devices that stream movies and TV shows for patrons at home, Newville said. It's all part of the library's efforts to remain part of the community in the digital age and also make the internet accessible to residents.

"We're always looking for new ways to expand access for our patrons," Newville said.

She said the library surveyed its patrons and found they wanted new digital offerings.

The new devices use cellphone signals to create a Wi-Fi hot spot. Newville said they work well in all but the most remote rural places where cell service may be spotty.

The library bought 10 of the devices - nine for public use and one for use by library staff at events - for $1,200 from a company that works with public libraries. Because of the cheap cost of the devices, Newville said, the library can buy 10 of the devices per year from the company.

While they have the devices,
customers can use as much data as they want, Newville said. She also did not think the devices had filters on them that may block offensive content.

Users can use the devices when they have internet outages at home or even to hold work meetings outside, Newville said. She even suggested families check them out for use on vacations.

"They're not for use only around your house," Newville said. "You're going on vacation, so take it in your car and have Wi-Fi access in your car while driving."