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Did you know that you can borrow a mobile hotspot from the library? If you hadn't heard, we lend out these small devices that when turned on give you Wi-Fi for any of your devices (as long as there is cell phone service where you use it.) Because they are so popular and widely used, we currently lend out 36 of them. They were borrowed 378 times in 2023.
Here are some frequently asked questions we receive in relation to the hotspots:
What is a mobile hotspot? It is a wireless router that makes mobile Wi-Fi (wireless internet). This can give wireless internet to your devices, including laptops, tablets, phones, smart TVs or devices running on Android, Windows or iOS.
How does it work? Simply turn on the device (instruction included) and go to the wireless screen on your device. On the inside case that the hotspot came in is the network name and password you will use/enter to connect to it. You will get a charging cable to keep the device powered. An instructional brochure with screenshots will also be included.
Is there a data limit? During each cycle (one month) the data limit is between 20 GB and 25 GB. Once the data limit is reached, the speeds will slow down considerably (also known as throttling.) Hotspots labeled CCA (Center for Community Action) have a 22 GB limit. CCA hotspots are provided to the library with the intent of them only being used for online education, telehealth, and or remote work. If you have used a CCA hotspot, please complete their brief survey upon checkout.
How do I reserve a hotspot? Hotspots can be reserved online using your library card, over the phone or in person.
Will this work where I live? This device relies on cell service. Please be sure to check if your address has coverage. If it does not, it will not work. We have 31 T-Mobile hotspots, two Verizon hotspots and two2 AT&T hotspots. Our website has coverage maps for each provider. You can enter an address or town name and see how strong the signal will be there.
How long can I borrow a hotspot for? You can borrow them for two weeks for $20, four weeks for $30 or three months for $75.
Can I renew the hotspot I currently have checked out? As long as there is not a waiting list you may renew the device. However, the mobile hotspots are in high demand and there often is a waitlist. Renewals will incur additional fees depending on the borrowing time requested.
Can I reserve the hotspot for a future date? We can attempt to, but due to their high demand we cannot guarantee your reservation will be fulfilled on a given future date.
I'm having trouble using the hotspot. Can you help? Absolutely! You can bring the hotspot into the library, contact us by phone or through our website's live chat.
Book of the week!
If you are going to read one book, give this one a try...
If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin
(New young adult fiction: romance, dating, coming of age) ~ 416 pages for ages 14-18
In a nutshell: A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind.
Finn's narrative starts three days before his death. He explores the progress of his unrequited love for best friend Autumn up until the day he finally expresses his feelings. Finn's story ends with his tragic death, which leaves his close friends devastated, unmoored and uncertain how to go on. Jack's section follows, offering a heartbreaking look at what it's like to live with grief. Jack works to overcome the anger he feels toward Sylvie, the girlfriend Finn was breaking up with when he died, and Autumn, the girl he was preparing to build his life around (but whom Jack believed wasn't good enough for Finn). But, when Jack sees how Autumn's grief matches his own, it changes their understanding of one another. Autumn's chapters trace her life without Finn as readers follow her struggles with mental health and balancing love and loss. Those who have read the earlier book will better connect with and feel for these characters, particularly since they'll have a more well-rounded impression of Finn. The pain and anger is well-written, and the novel highlights the most troublesome aspects of young adulthood: overconfidence sprinkled with heavy insecurities, fear-fueled decisions, bad communication and brash judgments.
Bottom line: Told through three different perspectives, If Only I Had Told Her is a love story brimming with truth, tragedy and the unexpected bonds that heal us.
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Vince Giordano has been the librarian and director of the Juniata County Library since 2015.