To assist those in our community who do not have access to high-speed Internet or Internet-ready devices at home, we have introduced two programs, Wi-Fi hotspot lending and a Chromebook lending, which allow adult cardholders to borrow a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, a Chromebook, or both for 2 weeks at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who Can Borrow these devices?: Hotspots and Chromebooks can be borrowed by an adult library cardholder. There is a limit of one of each type of device per household.
Where Will it Work?: Wi-Fi Hotspot Service is available within Ontario only. International service, including the United States, is unavailable.
How Can I Borrow one?: Visit the library and speak to a staff member at the desk or place a hold via our online catalogue. These devices can be borrowed for 2 weeks at a time and cannot be renewed. Please Note: If you need to have both devices at the same time, you may want to place a hold on the wifi-hotspot first and then ask staff about a Chromebook when the hotspot is ready for pickup. The hotspots tend to be in higher demand than the Chromebooks so you will likely be put in a waitlist to get one.
What happens if I don’t return it on time?: Our library has eliminated late fees, so the good news is that you won’t be charged any daily late fees! You will, however, be unable to continue using the device. Once the device becomes overdue, the library will remotely disable it until it is returned. This is our way of encouraging patrons to return the device so they (and others) can use it again as soon as possible.
What happens if I lose or damage it?: We do still have to charge a replacement cost if the device is lost or damaged. The replacement cost is $115 for Wi-Fi hotspots and $300 for Chromebooks, so that fee will automatically be charged if your device becomes long overdue. If you return the device in working order, that amount will be removed from your record and you won’t have to pay any fees.
Is the device fully charged when I receive it?: To ensure the hotspots are available to the public as often as possible, the Library cannot ensure that they are fully charged upon check out. It is the responsibility of the borrower to adequately charge the hotspot for their own use by using the charging cable and instructions provided.
How is my information protected if I use a Chromebook?: All of our Chromebooks are set up in a managed guest session. This means that as soon as you log out, everything you did on the computer is completely erased (e.g. documents, passwords, sign information for websites). Your privacy is protected.
If everything is erased when I logout, how do I save things that I need for the 2 weeks that I am using the Chromebook?: We recommend that you use a USB stick to save any files that you wish to retain. You can buy a USB stick at our info desk for $5 if you don’t have one of your own. If you have Gmail or a Google Account, you can login via the browser to save it to the cloud with Google Drive.
Do I need a Google Account to use the Library’s Chromebooks?: No, you don’t. You can browse the Internet, login to your email & social media accounts, and watch streaming services, etc. without one.
Privacy: Scugog Public Library does not monitor, collect, or store data about users’ internet activity. All users must abide by Scugog Library’s Public Internet Access Policy and understand there is no guarantee the hotspot WiFi connection will be entirely private.
If you have a question about either or WiFi Hotspot Lending Program or our Chromebooks loans, please email info@scugoglibrary.ca or call 905-985-7686.