Marshall County Public Library receives funding for hotspot kits

The Marshall County Public Library has received funding for 50 new Wi-Fi hotspot kits to help support those with a continuing need for remote learning and working.

The new kits will be slightly different from the library's existing grant kits, which include a hotspot and a laptop. The new kits will only provide a hotspot, requiring patrons to have their own device to connect.

The 50 hotspot kits will be distributed between all three of the library's branches and available for checkout as soon as this week. For more information about the kits, call the library at 270-527-9969.

"The library is always looking for ways to extend the reach of internet access in our rural community," said Benton Branch Manager Lenisa Jones. "We offer internet access in-house for patrons, but sometimes that is not always feasible when it is needed for home use, and our computer lab is not open 24 hours a day. We are always proud to offer anyone in our community a chance to stay connected even at home." 

The library received the funding through the Federal Communications Commission Emergency Connectivity Fund, a $7.17 billion program aimed at helping schools and libraries provide the tools and services needed to provide internet access.