Chromebooks to go: KC Library lending free computers, hot spots

Need a computer? The Kansas City Public Library now has 900 Chromebooks available to anyone with a library card.

Checkouts are for 21 days (no renewals), allowing time for borrowers to complete homework, work on a business project, apply for jobs, pay bills, or take care of other everyday tasks and activities online.

Each Chromebook has built-in Wi-Fi internet and 4G LTE mobile data, providing online functionality nearly anywhere. The library also has 300 unlimited-data Wi-Fi hot spots available for checkout. It’s all part of the library’s Tech to Go program to help Kansas Citians bridge the digital divide.

“Libraries have been not only providing free access to the internet,” said Carrie Coogan, the library’s deputy director of public affairs and community engagement, “but also free checkouts of hotspots and tablets and offering free classes on everything from keyboarding to how to create an Excel spreadsheet or your own website.”

LINC has joined the Kansas City Public Library and many other partners in the Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion to support and advance technology for everyone.

The library’s Chromebook program gained support last year after the library received $853,212 in federal Emergency Connectivity funding.