Boston Public Library now offering mobile Wi-Fi hot spots

The Boston Public Library on October 2 launched a one-year pilot program for cardholders who are at least 18 years old to check out Wi-Fit hot spot kits that will allow them to log on pretty much from anywhere.

Each Wi-Fi kit includes a hot spot device, a micro USB cable, an adapter, and instructions in in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole, according to a release from the library.

The kits will be available for lending for up to 21 days at a time from all BPL locations. The aim is to expand free internet access beyond the BPL’s 26 public service locations.

“Boston Public Library is committed to removing barriers to digital access and ensuring internet access and information-seeking opportunities are accessible to all our patrons,” BPL President David Leonard said in a statement. “We thank Mayor Martin J. Walsh, our partners at the City of Boston, Verizon, and T-Mobile for their contributions in ensuring all citizens of Boston can more easily participate in the digital and civic life of the city.”

Verizon put up $100,000 for the hot spot-lending pilot as part of its April 2016 deal with the city to roll out a fiber-optic network in Boston. T-Mobile is providing the hot spot devices and will be available for technical support.