The Barnesville-Lamar County Library (FRRLS), in conjunction with a grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) is offering hotspots for checkout to be used at home as part of an effort to provide technology assistance with COVID-19 Pandemic related issues and recovery. The intention of the grant is to provide internet access to people who need it at home for use with schoolwork, employment, and personal use. 

Patrons access the internet at their own discretion. Although many valuable sources of information are available via the internet, the Library can neither verify the accuracy nor control the content of material found. Patrons may find that some websites contain material they consider offensive or inappropriate. Parents and/or guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their minor children’s use of electronic resources, including email, and to establish guidelines consistent with personal and individual family values and boundaries.

Setting up your Wi-Fi Connection

1. Press and hold the Power button on the hotspot for 5 seconds. The hotspot will display welcome screens, followed by a data usage screen.

2. Press the Menu button (at top edge of hotspot) to toggle through options until you see “2.4GHz WIFI Info.”

3. Press the Power button to select “2.4 GHz WIFI.”

4. The name of the hotspot’s WiFi network will be displayed next to the WiFi icon and the password next to the lock icon.

5. On your personal device, connect to WiFi by selecting the network name displayed in the previous step. (If using a phone or tablet, you will find available networks listed under “Settings.” If using a Chromebook or PC, you will look for the Internet settings icon at the bottom right hand of the screen, next to the time and date.)

6. Enter the password listed on the hotspot’s display into your device. Passwords are case sensitive and must be entered exactly as shown. You may now use your hotspot. Recharge as needed with cord provided.

7. To turn off the hotspot, press and hold the Power button until it says “Powering Off.”

How to get a Hotspot

A hotspot is an encrypted mobile wireless network that allows you to connect phones, tablets, laptops, Chromebooks and other mobile devices to the internet without having to have a SIM card or data plan.

Hotspots are checked to PINES Library cardholders 18 years of age or older for fourteen days. A valid PINES Library card, current and in good standing, is required each time a hotspot is checked out.

Limit one per household. 

Patrons must return the hotspot to the public service desk at the library where it was checked out during library hours. Patrons may not return the hotspot in the book drop or to another branch.

Hotspots may not be renewed, but another may be checked out if one is available when the first is returned.  

If a patron loses or damages the hotspot or any of its components, the replacement costs will be:

• Hotspot:  $79.99
• Case: $19.99
• USB to USB-C cable: $19.99
• AC Adapter: $19.99
• Total replacement max: $99.98 (hotspot + case)

The late fee is $3.00 a day with a maximum late fee of $10.00.