To make home Internet access more widely available to our patrons, we’ve started lending Wi-Fi hotspots.

What is a Wi-Fi hotspot?

A Wi-Fi hotspot is a device that connects to the internet by using a cellular network. When you connect a device like an iPad or laptop to the hotspot, it will connect the device to the internet.

What cellular network are you using?

The Wi-Fi hotspots connect to the Rogers network.

Who can borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot?

Patrons with Explore accounts who are 14 or older can borrow hotspots.

How do I find and reserve a Wi-Fi hotspot?

If you type “hotspot” into KFPL’s online catalogue, you will get a list of hotspots. You can also click here to see the list. Click the Reserve button and then login to your account to complete the process.

When I place a reservation, it only showed one pickup location. Why can’t I choose a different branch?

Hotspots in our rural branches are tied to specifically to that branch which is why there is only one choice for a pickup location. If you place a reservation on one of the urban hotspots, you will have your choice of branches. You can also only place one reservation on a hotspot at a time.

Can I borrow more than one hotspot?

Only one hotspot per person can be checked out at a time. 

How do I return a Wi-Fi hotspot?

You can return the hotspot to any of our 16 branches. For some of our Frontenac County branches, the kit may not fit through the book drop so we ask that you please return the hotspot to the branch during open hours.

How long can I have the Wi-Fi hotspot checked out?

Wi-Fi hotspots can be checked out for 1 week. They are renewable as long as no one else has a reservation. Please note that the hotspot will stop working when it is overdue.

What is a Chromebook?

A laptop that runs Chrome OS operating system. This laptop allows you to connect to the Chrome browser to access the internet. You need the internet to access most applications on the Chromebook.

I can’t find Chromebooks in the catalogue. How can I place a reservation?

You may be aware that KFPL started a pilot project of lending Chromebooks in 2021. This was mainly in response to library users' limited access to public internet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now that the libraries are fully operational, we have evaluated our pilot program and determined that with declining demand, we will discontinue Chromebook lending in October 2023.

We know that this is likely disappointing news, but we want to direct you to other resources that may be of interest to you:

• Extended Hours - Our Pittsburgh Branch now has more hours during which you can access public internet and printing.
• Wi-Fi Hotspots - If you have a Wi-Fi-enabled device, you can borrow these items to use at home to connect to the internet.
• Public internet worksations at our 16 library branches. 

If you participated in borrowing a Chromebook during the pilot, we thank your for being a part of this project.

How did you fund this program?

This pilot project has been supported by the Cameron & Laurie Thompson Fund with the Community Foundation of Kingston and Area.