The Berkeley County Library System, with assistance from Google, is pleased to be the first library system in the state to offer a new service, MiFi30, which allows customers to check out the internet for 30 days, free with their library card. This new service began with a grant over $11k from Google to the Friends of the Berkeley County Library. The grant helps support ongoing efforts to put Google’s technical know-how and resources to work for the communities where they live and work.
Google’s grant provided the funds for 20 Mifi jetpacks and the Berkeley County Library provided twenty Chromebooks, each with a case and mouse, for the program.
“We are proud to be the first library system in South Carolina to have the Mifi30 service.” Said Donna Worden, the Berkeley County Library Director. “We will track the service’s usage and send out surveys to get feedback for improvement. The library looks forward to the spread of digital literacy and new opportunities the Mifi30 service will provide. Access to the world's information promotes reading and a love of learning.”
BCLS decided to launch this new service from the bookmobile first but the Mifi30s will be available for checkout at all BCLS branches.
“We are delighted to be a part of this innovative lending service for Berkeley County,” says Barbara Ash, the Outreach/Children’s librarian. “Being able to bring internet access and connectivity to our communities via the mobile library sets a new standard of service that we hope our customers will take advantage of. This is an extraordinary opportunity for everyone in our community to get connected.”
On June 26, 2015, the new MiFi30 will launched from the full-service bookmobile at one of its stops in the town of St. Stephen. Customers will be able to check out the new MiFi30s for thirty days at a time. Any customers needing instruction on the computer and internet use are welcome to take part in one-on-one training provided by the library.
For more information, please contact Kristen Lanier, BCLS Marketing and PR Coordinator at Kristen.lanier@berkeleycountysc.gov or 843-719-4358.
