Connecting community: Check Out to log On campaign
Learn about the campaign to bring mobile wifi hotspot lending to eugene public library.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! We exceeded our goal to lend 300 mobile WiFi devices and now 500 will be available for circulation soon! Thank you to the Oregon Library Innovation Fund of Oregon Community Foundation for support to bring 125 devices to our community!
0 Days left to reach our goal of $60,000!
About the Campaign
This April, Eugene Public Library Foundation and Friends of Eugene Public Library are joining together to offer you a new way to support library services AND the community. We are partnering to raise funds to purchase mobile WiFi hotspots for Eugene Public Library to lend, just like books.
The lack of internet access disproportionately affects low income households, unhoused people, and people of color. The digital divide is an urgent issue that has grown exponentially during the pandemic. As the primary tool for connecting, gathering information, and conducting our lives, the internet is now even more critical.
SAVE THE DATE
April 24th, 2021 at 6pm Event Webcast - Watch live on YouTube at bit.ly/connectingcommunity2021
Join us host Storm Kennedy for an event celebrating Eugene Public Library and the campaign featuring virtual bookshelf tours, book recommendations, behind the scenes of Eugene Public Library, and special guests including Bev Smith, Kimberly Johnson, and former UO Ducks Dennis Dixon, Ashton Eaton, Brianne Theisen-Eaton, and many more!
OUr project
What are Wifi Hotspots?
Mobile WiFi hotspots are small, portable devices that power internet and library access for users. As the primary tool for connecting, gathering information, doing schoolwork, and conducting our lives, internet access is more critical than ever.
Mobile WiFi hotspots are able to connect multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops to reliable WiFi with unlimited data. They are rechargeable like a smartphone and can travel with a user or users.
about the impact
Thousands more people will have access to the Internet and digital library services on the go through this mobile WiFi hotspot lending program.
With access to mobile internet and library access where and when they need it, it will contribute to student success, improved job access and retention, and the broader benefits of a more economically stable and healthy community.
With COVID-19, people need to reduce risk of exposure and spread, this will help people stay where they are rather than seek out internet access.
how will it work?
This free mobile WiFi hotspot lending program will place 300 wifi hotspots into circulation for an anticipated 5100 device checkouts with an estimated 3-5 users connected during each checkout, totaling approximately 15,300 to 25,500 (potentially duplicated) users. Over 10 users can use a device at a time. With more funding raised, we can increase the number of devices.
Mobile hotspots will be available for check out to any Eugene Public Library card holder from any of the Eugene Public Library locations and through partner organizations serving unhoused community members and others facing barriers to internet access.
After the first year of the hotspot program, Eugene Public Library will maintain the devices and internet service through funds from the library levy.
About the Campaign
Eugene Public Library Foundation & Friends of Eugene Public Library are joining together to raise funds for Eugene Public Library to launch a mobile WiFi hotspot lending program.
The event is sponsored by many great businesses and organizations. Our Partnering Sponsor is Lane Forest Products.
Supporting sponsors include Centaurus Financial, Inc., Powers Howard Quimby LLP, and Robertson | Sherwood | Architects, and community sponsors Hershner Hunter, LLP, Summit Bank, and WaFd Bank. Please email reed@eplfoundation.org if you'd like more information on sponsoring or becoming a matching gift donor.
Through funding from the Foundation’s Innovation Fund and Eugene Metropolitan Rotary Club, Eugene Public Library is partnering with First Place Family Center, White Bird, and 15th Night to pilot the lending of hotspots to families using their facility and services. This partnership will be a model for the lending program through Eugene Public Library.
