The Warren-Newport Public Library District was awarded Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) grant to purchase and circulate Chromebooks and hotspots to patrons to support remote learning. These can be checked out for six weeks with three renewals.
To request an ECF Chromebook or hotspot, please complete this form.
Please note: at this time, only hotspots are available. Chromebooks will be available at a later date.
To checkout a Chromebook or hotspot:
- Patrons must have a valid WNPL card.
- Patrons must have a Google account to use a Chromebook.
- Equipment will be inspected prior to checkout and upon return.
As a condition of the grant, we are obligated to keep the following information for 10 years:
- First and last names of patrons who borrow grant-related equipment.
- Checkout and return dates.
- Information regarding lost or damaged equipment.
- The charge for an unreturned, lost, or damaged item will be the replacement cost plus a nonrefundable $5.00 processing fee.
The replacement costs are as follows:
- Chromebook $360.00
- Hotspot $84.00
- Charger for Chromebook $15.00
- Charger for Hotspot $15.00
- Case for Chromebook $20.00
- Case for Hotspot $10.00
Emergency Connectivity Fund FAQs
What is the Emergency Connectivity Fund?
The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is a $7.17 billion program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to help schools and libraries support remote learning. The Program provides funding to schools and libraries for the reasonable costs of eligible equipment and services that can be provided to students, teachers, and library patrons who lack connected devices, such as laptop or tablet computers, and/or lack broadband access during the pandemic.
Why do I have to sign a form when checking out a Chromebook or hotspot in association with this grant?
As a condition of the grant, we are required to keep the names of patrons who borrow grant-related equipment, checkout and return dates, and information regarding lost or damaged equipment. This information must be kept for 10 years. By signing the agreement, you state that you would otherwise lack access to equipment or services to meet educational needs if not for the use of the equipment or service being provided by the library.
What’s the difference between the grant-provided hotspots that can be checked out for 6 weeks and the library hotspots that I can place on hold and check out for 3 weeks?
The hotspots purchased with grant funds have different requirements that we must adhere to; namely, keeping names of patrons who check them out, and the duration of the checkout.
What type of material will be blocked on a grant-provided item?
Chromebooks and hotspots filter content featuring violence, hate speech, illegal drugs, hacking compromised sites, anonymizers, fraud, spyware, and mature/explicit sites. We cannot change the filter settings to allow sites that have inadvertently been filtered by the software.
Why do I need a Google account to use the Chromebook?
The Chromebook is designed to be used with a Google account. Click here for information on how to set up a Google account.
Do I need a hotspot to use a Chromebook?
No, you do not need a hotspot to use the Chromebook, as they are web-enabled.
Does the library provide technical support?
No, the library does not provide technical support for devices provided by the grant.