The Des Moines Public Library now offers a limited number of wireless internet hotspots available to check out!
“One of the Des Moines Public Library’s most important strategic initiatives is to help bridge the digital divide that exists in our community,” Susan A. Woody, Des Moines Public Library Director, said. “By offering wireless hotspots, we can provide opportunities for learning, work, job hunting, and more.”
These are available to check out from any of the library's six branches, available on a first-come, first-served basis to cardholders who live in Des Moines, Windsor Heights, or Saylor Township. If the hotspots are all checked out, you can place them on hold.
Hotspots are checked out for three weeks, and replacement costs if they are not returned or damaged will be $50, plus $5 each for a cord and box. Items not returned within six days of due date will incur lost charges.
Why Use a Hotspot?
There are a variety of great uses for hotspots:
- If you have slow or no WiFi, hotspots are a great way to provide internet access for your home to communicate with family, do homework, job search, and more - all from the comfort of your home.
- Grab a hotspot if you're traveling for work so you don't have to worry about the airport, hotel, and coffee shop WiFi strength.
- If you're getting close to your data limit, bringing a hotspot with you can keep you under the line.
- Increase your battery life by using a hotspot instead of data.
- Borrow a hotspot during a road trip to keep the kids occupied while reducing your family's data usage.
- Bring a hotspot home when your hosting guests to lessen the load on the family WiFi network.
- Have a big video game player at home? Grab a hotspot to provide reliable internet for yourself while they're mashing buttons.
Checking out a hotspot
If you or someone you know is interested in this program, please come to any Des Moines Public Library branch and talk with a staff member, email our Reference Department at reference@dmpl.org or by calling 515-283-4152, or place a hold on the hotspot online.
Hotspot Checkout Eligibility
- Must be DMPL cardholder. Get a card HERE.
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must live in Des Moines, Windsor Heights, or Saylor Township
- Must fill out an application at a library location.