Beginning this month, Manlius Library patrons can check out a Chromebook laptop and accompanying 4G Verizon wireless internet hotspot for three weeks. These hotspots allow up to 10 different devices, such as phones, computers and tablets, to connect to the Internet for free.
The program, known as CNYFi, is a technology lending and digital literacy initiative made possible by the Central New York Library Resources Council (CLRC) and the Central New York Community Foundation. The pilot program will allow patrons at select Central New York libraries to “Check Out the Internet” by borrowing “Internet kits” to use at home.
Other local public libraries, including Tully Free Library and Cazenovia Public Library, are also participating in this program, which aims to increase at-home accessibility to the internet.
These kits will be loaned to patrons aged 18 and older with library cards in good standing. Kits are not available for immediate checkout; patrons must complete a training session with a library staff member and sign a loan agreement prior to checkout.
An initial training session will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20. If you are interested in a borrowing an internet kit and cannot attend this session, call the library at 682-6400 and someone will be in contact to arrange for your training.
