Pictured, from left, are library staff member Erica Bennington and patron Kelly Dawson. Dawson is the first person to borrow a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot from the Warsaw Community Public Library.

By Melissa Chapman
Cataloging Supervisor

WARSAW — In Warsaw Community Public Library’s ongoing commitment to help the community, the library now has mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to loan.

What is a hotspot? Many people regard a hotspot as an access location for Wi-Fi. Many libraries, cafés, restaurants, public buildings, etc., are destinations to which people travel daily. Normally these places offer their patrons and customers Wi-Fi access, which is a hardwire connection to allow you and your device access to the net.

Some places, however, do not offer a Wi-Fi hardwire connection and it is nearly impossible to access the net. Wouldn’t it be nice during those times when Wi-Fi isn’t available to have a wireless connection to use especially if you are on vacation or a business trip? This is when having a mobile hotspot device comes in handy.

Unlike a hotspot that accesses Wi-Fi through a hardwire connection, a mobile hotspot is a device that can be carried with you and can access via cellular tower a Wi-Fi connection. Most smartphones have their own hotspots built in; however, the downside to this is that some smartphones do not. A portable hotspot can benefit those who travel frequently and work remotely. It is sometimes safer to use a mobile hotspot instead of a public hotspot due to privacy issues while traveling or on vacation. A mobile hotspot can also be excellent for families who may not have access to a Wi-Fi connection.

The Warsaw Community Public Library has purchased seven mobile hotspot devices for valid library card holders to check out. The loan period for these devices is seven days and one device per household. There are no renewals or holds allowed on these items and if they become overdue, they will be deactivated. The devices can be picked up and should be returned to the circulation desk. If you would like to borrow one of these devices, ask for one at WCPL’s circulation desk.