Berks County library patrons can now check out an Internet hotspot device for a monthly charge from the Bernville Area Community Library, which is the only library in Berks County to offer this service.
“The Bernville Area Library has started a new service we are providing for our community,” said Alicea Rodig, Co-Director BACL. “We are trying to broaden the awareness of this program because it is such a great deal for the patrons in our area that are without Internet.”
The library offers T-Mobile Hotspots which allows people that may not have Internet access to access the Internet. The New York Public library also started this program.
The program at Bernville Library officially started in April. The library offers the hotspot for a one-week trial. Rodig said that after this trial they can bring it back for no charge or they can keep it and be billed on a monthly basis of $40 per month.
“This we have found is cheaper than what most are paying for Internet access.”
The hotspot can also be taken on trips and is unlimited and can support up to 10 devices at one time, she said. They are functional any place that T-Mobile cell phone coverage is available.
“We currently have 10 hotspots out and no one has indicated that there are any areas that do not get the coverage. Those who have taken them out want them ‘forever.’ Also it is affordable. Most of those who are using the device have indicated that it is at least $20 cheaper than what they currently are using per month.”
Rodig noted that more people are able to access the Internet with this device than with cable. Many patrons live in areas that are not able to get cable.
The person does not have to live in Bernville to take advantage of the service, however, they must pick up the device and drop off the device at Bernville Area Library. Also it must be brought into the library and not placed in a drop box. The device must be paid for every month which requires the patron to visit Bernville Area Library at least once a month to renew the device and pay for it. It can not be renewed over the phone or paid for at another library, Rodig said.
“I really like that we can offer a service that is not available to some in our community because the cable companies do not service all of our area,” said Rodig.
Bernville Area Community Library is located at 6721 Bernville Rd., Bernville. For more information call 610-488-1302.
