The Northampton Area Public Library is collaborating with T-Mobile to offer mobile hot spots to our patrons. Mobile hot spots are easy to use devices that connect your laptop, tablet, and/or other Wi-Fi enabled devices to the internet.
The Library mobile hot spot program allows Library card holders to access unlimited, high-speed internet service anywhere a T-Mobile signal can be received. The Library currently offers five mobile wireless hotspots for checkout. These units can offer up to 4G LTE service and are perfect for travel, schoolwork, job hunting, and more.
How it works
Who can check out a device?
Northampton Area Public Library card holders that are 18 years and older that have accounts in good standing (no overdue items or fees over $5.00) may check out a device.
How long can I keep it?
You can borrow a hot spot for one week. You may renew the mobile hot spot one time if there is no one on the waiting list.
How much does it cost?
It is $1.00/week to borrow the device. It is $1.00 per day late fee. Mobile hot spots will be deactivated on the first day they are overdue.
Can I reserve a hot spot to check out for a particular date and time?
No. You can place holds on the mobile hot spots, but we cannot guarantee their availability for a specific date or time. Mobile hot spots are available on a first-come/first-served basis like all our Library materials.
What happens if I lose or break the hot spot?
You are expected to take good care of the mobile hot spot while it is checked out to you. If the mobile hot spot becomes lost or damaged $90.00 will be applied to your account.
Can I use the mobile hotspot outside of the U.S.?
No. The mobile hot spots only work in the U.S.
How do I return it?
You can return the mobile hot spot inside the Library. Please do not attempt to put it in the book or media drop. You must return the device with all the original packaging and accessories. Failure to return all items will result in charges to your Library account.
What other information should I know about borrowing a mobile hotspot?
- Hot spots must be kept in a temperature-controlled environment (not left in vehicles or in extreme temperatures).
- The charger that is included is to be used for the hot spot only, not other devices. Conversely, no other charger should be used to charge the hot spot.
- Hot spots should not be plugged in and charging all the time.
- If there are any problems with the mobile hot spot, the Library should be contacted immediately.
- The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages, or expense resulting from the use of the mobile hot spot.
What information about my internet usage, if any, is tracked by the Library?
The Library does not track your internet usage. While using the Library’s hot spot you are governed by the same rules as our Internet Access Policy.
Parents and guardians are responsible for a child’s use of the mobile hot spot and the material accessed. The Northampton Area Public Library is not responsible for the internet’s content, data collected, or transmitted via a mobile hot spot, or for any misuse of copyrighted material or any other violation of law.
This policy is subject to change at any time without notice. Updates to the policy may be obtained from the Library.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on 12/9/2021.
