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Internet to Go Mobile Hotspot Lending

The Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System (ARCPLS) is excited to launch a one year pilot program for mobile hotspot lending. This program is partially assisted with funds from the Library Services and Technology Act through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Any adult 18 or over with an ARCPLS PINES library card in good standing can check out a mobile hotspot and take the Internet with them.

 

 

Which hotspots are available right now?

Click here to see which hotspots are available at the six ARCPLS library branches.

 

Borrowing procedures

  • First-time hotspot borrowers must fill out our Hotspot Borrower’s Agreement and agree to the terms of the Hotspot Use Policy before borrowing a hotspot.  The agreement is available at each ARCPLS library branch.
  • The hotspot loan period is seven (7) days.
  • Hotspots are available on a first come, first served basis at ARCPLS locations.
  • You can check the catalog to see if a hotspot is currently available at the 6 ARCPLS locations. Hotspots cannot be reserved through the online catalog.

 

Return procedures

  • Hotspots are nonrenewable materials. Once you return a hotspot, you must wait at least 24 hours before checking out another hotspot.
  • Hotspots must be returned inside the library where it was checked out from. Do not put them inside library drop boxes.

 

Fines and fees

  • Fines are $3/day for late hotspots. Hotspot service will be turned off after the eighth day of borrowing.
  • When hotspots become 30 days past due, borrowers will be charged the full replacement cost of $115.00 for the item. After 60 days past due, an additional $10.00 Collection Agency fee will be charged.
  • Replacement charges are:
    • $115.00 – Entire kit, battery, or hotspot, and $5.00 processing fee (included in the $115.00)
    • $10.00 – mini USB charger
    • $10.00 – SIM card
    • $3.00 – case
  • There is a $5.00 fee if the hotspot kit is not returned to the Circulation desk of the ARCPLS library branch Agreement (i.e. in a book return box or outside of its home library location).

 

Hotspot FAQ

How do I find the wireless network name and password?

Yes, there is only one button on our hotspots. After pressing and holding the button to turn it on, lightly press the button repeatedly until you see the Wi-Fi name display for the name of the network. Press the button lightly again to find the password.

 

How do I connect my device to the network?

Android mobile device instructions
https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075847?hl=en

Apple mobile device instructions
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202639

Windows computer instructions
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-10-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263

Apple (Mac) computer
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201735

 

What if I lose or damage the hotspot or its accessories or return it to a different location?

If the hotspot itself is lost or damaged, you will be charged a replacement fee for the whole item. If the case and/or the charger is lost or damaged, you will be charged a replacement fee for the case and/or the charger. There is a $5.00 fee if the hotspot is returned to a different location than the original one it was borrowed from. Current replacement charges are below:

  • $115.00 – Entire kit, battery, or hotspot (an additional $5.00 processing fee is charged in this case)
  • $10.00 – mini USB charger
  • $10.00 – SIM card
  • $3.00 – case

 

I am having a problem with the hotspot. Who can I contact?

You can call the library during regular operating hours at 706-821-2600 x1. If after hours, you can reach out to T-Mobile customer service at 800-937-8997.

 

I can’t access a site. Is the Internet filtered?

The Internet access is filtered. Please contact the library at outreach@arcpls.org or 706-821-2600 x1 to see if we make it accessible for you as long as it does not violate Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA ~ Public Law 106-554), section 16-12-80 (b) of the Official Code of Georgia, or is otherwise used for criminal or illegal purposes. This process may take some time.

 

What if my question isn’t answered here?

Contact library staff at outreach@arcpls.org or 706-821-2600 x1