Earlier this year, The American Library Association (ALA) and Capital One Bank launched Community Connect: Fostering Digital Access, an initiative that provides rural public libraries with resources and support to assist patrons in establishing and sustaining affordable and high-speed home internet connections.

Thirty libraries, including the  will receive five Wi-Fi hotspots (including service contract) for lending to patrons; five HP laptops for lending to patrons; a $2,000 programming stipend; and travel and accommodation expenses for attendance of a one-day orientation workshop for library project directors at ALA’s Annual Conference.

According to the program’s guidelines, Verizon is the only service that will be offered with the hotspots, so a good Verizon signal will be required in order for the hotspots to work properly.  The ALA says, “Verizon is the only broadband provider with Community Connect, therefore access to Verizon coverage in your area is needed for participation. Roaming Verizon service coverage should not present an issue for participation”.

The hotspots and laptops will be available at the Chattooga County Library in Summerville by September 1, 2023.