LPPL WI-FI CONNECTIONS A HOT COMMODITY

LIBRARY HOT SPOTS HAVE BEEN A POPULAR OUTING IN RECENT YEARS, WRITES KELLY SPENCE

If we've learned anything during the past twoand-a-half years, it's the importance of connection.

Not everyone has equal opportunities to connect, whether it be to attend school, look for a job, or stay in touch with family and friends. To help bridge this divide, Lincoln Pelham Public Library (LPPL) loans Wi-Fi hot spots. The devices provide free, unlimited, high-speed internet and can be borrowed for one week.

In just 18 months, library hot spots have been borrowed more than 350 times — and the demand is increasing. To continue providing vital connections, LPPL is launching a fundraising campaign to add more hot spots to its collection. Each hot spot costs $200 and requires a monthly fee of $50 for data. With your help, we can reach our goal of $4,000 to cover the cost of five additional hot spots.

One user relied on a library hot spot to complete online coursework, which led to landing a new job: "As a recent graduate of Niagara College, my virtual studies were often hampered by spotty internet service at home. Thankfully, I was able to borrow a hot spot from the Lincoln Pelham Public Library. This allowed me to attend class, complete my work, and graduate with honours. I'm now employed at a great new job! LPPL helped make it possible."

Since 2021, LPPL has also provided a number of hot spots to migrant workers living on local farms. The program, spearheaded by Sandra Reimer at the library, has been well received. "Many workers are away from their families for up to eight months. They miss a lot, like milestones and birthdays. The library hot spots keep workers connected to their loved ones, while also allowing them to send more money home, rather than spending it on expensive data plans. It's also great that they can connect from the bunkhouse rather than having to bike somewhere — like the library — to access Wi-Fi after a long workday," she said.

Hot spots from LPPL and Grimsby Public Library are currently on loan to farms in Beamsville, Vineland, and Grimsby.

Leading up to June 30, during the Great Canadian Giving Challenge, every dollar donated on CanadaHelps ($3 minimum donation) gives LPPL a chance to win $20,000 — enough to fund 25 hot spots. Donations can be made online through CanadaHelps at lppl.ca/donate or at any LPPL branch (cash, cheque, or debit). Thank you for helping us keep our community connected!

Visit LPPL.ca to sign up for a library card and find information on collections, services, and programs. Follow us on social media at @LPPLibraryON.