Detroit Public Library adds 300 laptops, 500 hotspots available for checkout

Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press
·3 min read
A welcoming artwork hangs above three of the six computer terminals at Chaney Public Library in Detroit.
A welcoming artwork hangs above three of the six computer terminals at Chaney Public Library in Detroit.

The library just got cooler with this new incentive.

The Detroit Public Library expanded its Laptops-to-Go program with an additional 300 circulating laptops and 500 Wi-Fi devices. The items were purchased through federal COVID-19 pandemic relief programs like the Emergency Connectivity Fund and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Library guests will now also have assistance from a technician on-site at the main library to help check out the devices. A phone number will also be given to specifically help laptop users if they have some issues and need help troubleshooting.

How to checkout a laptop or hotspot

Laptops and hotspots have to be reserved in person at any Detroit Public Library location, or by phone at 313-481-1400 with your library card.

It's required that items are reserved in advance; borrowers will be notified when items are ready for pickup.

Holds are allowed on only one adult Detroit Library card with no blocks. Only one laptop or hotspot can be used per card.

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How to get a library card

Detroit, Highland Park residents and Detroit school students can apply for a digital library card using the online application. All applicants have to present at least one of the following:

  • Michigan driver's license

  • Michigan state identification card

  • Detroit municipal identification card

  • Current U.S. passport (must show proof of residence)

Nonresidents can get a Detroit library card if they:

  • Own a Bloomfield Township library card

  • Own an MILibrary card

  • Pay $100 annually for a Detroit library card. Applications have to be filled out and brought to a Detroit Public Library branch with valid identification.

How long can you use the items?

The Detroit Public Library allows 90 days for each item. You can check out items together or separately.

Once it's time to return an item, users will receive an automated "reminder" telephone call three days prior to the due date. Once the due date hits, laptops will reboot and become inoperable. Wi-Fi hotspots also will be disabled after the due date.

Items can be returned to any open Detroit Public Library location on or before the due date.

Cost

The laptops and hotspots are free of charge with a Detroit Public Library card. There is a replacement fee if items are lost or damaged.

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Local Detroit Public Library locations

  • Detroit Public Library Main: 5201 Woodward Ave.

  • Detroit Public Library Bowen: 3648 Vernor Highway

  • Detroit Public Library Campbell: 8733 W. Vernor Highway

  • Detroit Public Library Chandler Park: 12800 Harper Ave.

  • Detroit Public Library Chaney: 16101 Grand River Ave.

  • Detroit Public Library Duffield: 2507 W. Grand Blvd.

  • Detroit Public Library Edison: 18400 Joy Road

  • Detroit Public Library Elmwood Park: 550 Chene

  • Detroit Public Library Franklin: 13651 E. McNichols

  • Detroit Public Library Jefferson: 12350 E. Outer Drive

  • Detroit Public Library Knapp: 13330 Conant

  • Detroit Public Library Lincoln: 1221 E. 7 Mile Road

  • Detroit Public Library Parkman: 1766 Oakman Blvd.

  • Detroit Public Library Redford: 21200 Grand River

  • Detroit Public Library Sherwood Forest: 7117 W. 7 Mile Road

  • Detroit Public Library Wilder: 7140 E. 7 Mile Road

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Public Library offers free access to laptops, hotspots