Pick Up Your Hotspot at Our Maker[Space]Ship

Submitted by SJPL Staff on Thu, 10/22/2020 - 7:14 PM
MakerSpaceShip with superimposed Wi-Fi icon.

The San José Public Library (SJPL) is excited to announce that our Maker[Space]Ship will be used to provide mobile Wi-Fi (wifi) hotspot checkouts to neighborhoods across the City.

Landing Spot Schedule, book cover

Landing Spot Schedule

See the upcoming schedule for when the Maker[Space]Ship is landing in your neighborhood to loan Wi-Fi hotspots.

Through the City of San Jose’s SJ Access initiative, SJPL has been working hard to bridge the digital divide by making laptops and Wi-Fi (wifi) hotspots available for checkout. With thousands of people moving towards remote work, virtual learning, tele-health, and employment help online, we understand reliable high-speed internet connectivity is even more important than ever.

The Library is following the current County health and safety guidelines

To ensure everyone’s safety, we will have a partition at our sign-up table for visitors checking out a hotspot device or signing up for a library card. Visitors and staff are also required to wear a mask and must practice social distancing at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I check out a hotspot?

High-speed AT&T hotspots are available for a 90-day checkout period, with the option of a 30-day renewal.

What do I need to bring?

  • A mask to help us practice social distancing and follow health guidelines.
  • An active SJPL library card.
    • Don't have a library card? Don't worry! SJPL staff can issue library cards on the spot, allowing anyone to checkout these hotspot devices. All you need is an ID card.

Stay Informed

Follow us @sanjoselibrary on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter for up-to-date information!

 

Additional Resources

Maker[Space]Ship, book cover

Maker[Space]Ship

A custom-built, state-of-the-art, mobile makerspace providing hands-on programming, empowering people through making and STEAM learning.

Wi-Fi Hotspots, book cover

Wi-Fi Hotspots

The library is providing portable Wi-Fi hotspots to schools and library customers to connect their mobile devices to the Internet.

SJ Access, book cover

SJ Access

SJ Access is a City of San José initiative to provide residents and students access to all things digital: internet, free Wi-Fi, and digital literacy programs and opportunities.

Blog Category
Newsroom

Comments

Submitted by Sourdough sam on Sat, 12/12/2020 - 5:03 AM

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Your Comment
How do the hotspots work? Do they need to be plugged in? Not much use while camping if they have to be plugged in!

Your Comment
Hi Sourdough sam,

Thank you for your question. When hotspots are turned on, they give users internet access to their devices (phone, tablet, computer/laptop, etc). They do not need to be plugged in while being used so they can be enjoyed while camping or on the road.

Submitted by Alena Pantoja on Thu, 02/04/2021 - 11:09 PM

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Your Comment
Hello, when will you be having another event to help pass out hot-spots to families? Also are you still lending or passing out refurbished laptops! Thank you.

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 02/05/2021 - 11:09 AM

In reply to by Alena Pantoja

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Your Comment
You can borrow hot-spots and laptops from the library. To find out more, visit our website at https://www.sjpl.org/sjaccess-devices

Laptops that are able to be refreshed by HP volunteers will be distributed first to people enrolled in SJPL’s ongoing skill building programs such as Career Online High School, Partners in Reading, Adult ESL programming, and Immigration programs, but who have been unable to complete their programs virtually because they don’t have a computer. At this time, it does not appear that there will be any additional devices remaining. If additional computers are available, SJPL will open a first-come first-served list for distribution.

Submitted by Amh on Mon, 07/19/2021 - 5:45 PM

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Your Comment
I will be driving up to the Sacramento area. Will the mobile hot spot work up there?
Thanks-

Your Comment
Thank you for asking. Due to their popularity, hotspot have considerable wait times. As of this writing, the shortest waiting list for unfiltered hotspots is 336 out of over 700 copies available. Each checkout period is 90 days with 1 available auto-renewal of 30 days. While you wait, we have additional options for accessing free or affordable internet solutions. Please visit sjpl.org/sjaccess and sjpl.org/wireless to explore your options.

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