Wi-Fi Hotspots for San José Students
Important Update
San José Public Library (SJPL) will no longer offer Wi-Fi (wifi) hotspots with a web filter to San José students for the school year.
Here's what you need to know about this change:
Student Hotspot Return
If you borrowed a Student Hotspot with a checkout date extended to June 30th, 2023, please return it to your local SJPL location soon. Be sure you hand the hotspot directly to staff. Do not place it in the book return or drop box.
Affordable Connectivity Program
Although the Library no longer offers its Wi-Fi Hotspots for Student lending service, you still have options for staying connected. You might qualify for the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers free or discounted at-home Internet. Benefits include:
- Plans discounted by $30 per month.
- The Federal Government pays the Internet Service Provider directly.
- You only cover any remaining monthly cost.
Get Help Accessing the Internet
The following community-based organizations can help you with the application process for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
| Organization | Contact | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County | 408-468-0100 info@ccscc.org 2625 Zanker Rd, Suite 201, San Jose, CA 95134 Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County serves and advocates for individuals and families in need, especially those living in poverty. |
| International Children Assistance Network (ICAN) | 408-509-8788 2072 Lucretia Avenue, San Jose, CA 95122 |
ICAN’s mission is to engage, inform and inspire Vietnamese Americans to raise the next generation of leaders. |
| International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC) | 408-277-0255 SanJose@Rescue.org 1210 South Bascom Ave. Suite 227 San Jose, CA95128 |
The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. |
| Step Up and Do Something! Inc. | 408-772-8679 unite@stepupanddosomething.org 1314 Gainsville Avenue San Jose, CA 95122 |
StepUp! provide services to help people find solutions and resolutions to problems in at risk communities. |
| Sourcewise | 408-350-3200 grants@mysourcewise.com 3100 De La Cruz Blvd, Suite 310 Santa Clara, CA 95054 |
Sourcewise provided services and support to seniors in Santa Clara County. |
| Sacred Heart Community Service | 408-278-2160 1381 South First Street San Jose, CA 95110 |
Sacred Heart’s mission is to build a community free from poverty by creating hope, opportunity, and action. |
| Tech Exchange | 510-866-2260 support@techexchange.org 2530 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94601 |
Tech Exhange’s mission is to ensure that all families have a computer, internet access, and the technology skills necessary to improve and enhance their lives |
| Vietnamese Voluntary Foundation Inc (VIVO) | 408-532-7755 2072 Lucretia Ave, San Jose, CA 95122 |
VIVO’s mission is to empower refugees and immigrants, low-income ethnic families to become productive participating citizens, by providing comprehensive Community Social and Cultural Services. |
Hotspots for Members
If you prefer to borrow a Wi-Fi (wifi) hotspot from the Library, you can place a hold request via our hotspots for library members. If you need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us or speak with a staff member at any of our locations. Please note that the waitlist is currently long due to high demand, resulting in longer-than-normal wait times. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Program History and Overview
The San José Public Library (SJPL) and the City of San José partner to provide FREE access to the Internet by distributing 12,800 Wi-Fi (wifi) hotspots in the academic school year 2020-2021.
For the 2022–2023 academic school year, SJPL transitioned to a direct checkout program where students could request a filtered hotspot from their local San José Public Library Branch. This checkout program will not be available for the 2023–2024 school year.
