Local libraries help keep people connected online during pandemic

Librariesin Waterloo region and Guelph have been adding more Wi-Fi hotspot devices in response to a growing needin the community to stayconnected to the internet.

The program allows for library patronsto borrow a device for a week or more. Once set up, the device allows people to accessunlimited Wi-Fi fromanywhere in the country.

The Guelph Public Libraryrecently added42 new devices, bringing the total to 52, after thelibrary received a $15,000 grant from the Guelph CommunityFoundation in December.

"The demand was there for a long time," library CEO Steve Kraft said. "During better times, we see people come in and use our desktop stations. Various members of the community need technological connectivity for a variety of reasons."

Due to the current stay at home order, libraries have had to once again move online and offer curbside pick up only.

Kraft said the Guelph Public Library alsoextended its Wi-Fi to reach the library parking lot to givepeople another optionif they need to connect to the internet.

"The role of the library is changing. We're becoming one of those essentialnonessential services," he said.

UnreliableWi-Ficonnection in rural areas

Heather Woodley, technical supervisor forthe Region of WaterlooLibrary, said staff added15more Wi-Fi devices last summer.

"In our rural areas, we often have people who either have no access to the internet or they have slower, unreliable access to the internet," she said, adding staffhave noticed a shift in who is borrowingthe devices.

"In the past, we often saw a lot of vacationers borrowing our hot-spots to take to the cottage, for example," she said. "During the pandemic we've really noticed a shift to people using them as a utility at home."

Woodleysaid the library has a total of 35 devices available and patrons can borrow them for a week at a time.

She said it's not uncommon forpeople to place a hold right away after returning the device, or for multiple peoplein ahouseholdwho have a library cardtoplace a hold on severaldevices in order to secure one.

Kimm Culkinknows the struggle of rural internet well. She and her family moved from Toronto to a small area north of Durham in the West Grey Region 11 years ago and has dealt with dozens of internet providers in the past.

She said she and her husband rely on the internetfor work, in addition tohertwo children,who are currentlyliving at home and accessing their university classesonline.

Initially her children tried to find an apartment, "but those weren't available because of low supply. Ultimately they happened to luckupon a small office space that was available," she said.

"They are using that now when they really need to useinternetof a reliable nature, but of course that's all coming out of pocket from student loans."

Culkin, who alsoworks part-time at the West Grey Public Library, said she andother library staff are currently working on getting grants to be able to start a Wi-FIlending program in her community.

Keeping up with demand

Mary Chevreau, CEOof the Kitchener Public Library (KPL), said the library's Wi-Fi hot-spot program was a first in Canada and has remainedvery popular since they introduced it in 2015.

KPL now has 80 devices available after adding another 10in early January "just to meet demand," Chevreausaid.

"Now we see that there are more holds than ever on these for sure," she said.

"Right now we have over 150 holds on them. As soon as one is back, it's cleaned and ready for circulation."

The library also extended the time people can borrow the devices, from two weeks to three weeks.

"We're definitely fulfilling a need. Particularly for new Canadians, new immigrants as well those who are more vulnerable due to their economic situation," she said.