Laptop and Hotspot Lending and Work Ready Programs
The Library Laptop and Hotspot Lending and Work Ready project was an expansion of the laptop lending program throughout the County’s 85 Library locations. With ARP funding, this program made available 1,400 Chromebook kits and 1,300 MiFi hotspot devices that allowed patrons to access laptops and/or equipment to connect to the Internet. This allowed the Library to lend and circulate the Chromebooks 9,995 times and the hotspots 6,035 times, which increased access to essential technology for education, employment, and telehealth for underserved communities during the pandemic, including critical online resources, education, and job opportunities.
Through this program, the percentage of households without internet access was reduced from 15.7% in 2021 to 13.2% in 2023.
The project also featured The Work Ready program, which expanded equitable access to critical employment resources and services. The program hosted monthly events to equip job seekers with tools and skills to re-enter the workforce or transition careers, which directly addressed pandemic-related job losses. Workshops like “Using AI in Your Job Search” helped participants leverage technology to stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market. Events were culturally responsive through multilingual programming, in-person and virtual services, and partnership with trusted community messengers to reach residents across all demographics.
The program additionally supported the Career Online High School Program, which gave adults a second chance to earn a diploma to increase eligibility for better job opportunities. Participants were able to access the laptops with wireless internet as part of the laptop lending program to ensure uninterrupted coursework completion, particularly for those lacking home internet access. Overall, the program equipped residents with digital tools, education, and job-readiness skills that built access to sustainable career paths, thereby mitigating long-term economic hardship. Below is a testimonial from a graduate of the Career Online High School Program on the impact of the program.
Graduate Testimonial:
“I gained the knowledge that no matter how sorry you’re feeling for yourself or how much you think of yourself as a failure, you can finish whatever you failed at the first time. I have a full-time job in welding currently, and now with my high school diploma, I can apply for better-paying jobs that require a diploma.”
“I wanted to earn my high school diploma to open doors to new opportunities for myself. What I gained from the program was that if you put the effort in, you can accomplish your goals. At the moment, I am working in customer service but am planning on joining an electrical apprenticeship and hopefully be on my way to earning a successful career in the Electrician Trade.”