Wake County libraries to lend laptops, hotspots to residents

Residents will soon be able to check out Chromebooks and internet hotspots at their local library thanks to a new grant from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity. Wake County commissioners voted to accept and appropriate $398,700 in grant funds at their meeting Tuesday.

“Digital equity is crucial for ensuring that all our residents can access the resources they need to be successful,” said Shinica Thomas, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “These initiatives will not only connect more people to high-speed internet and essential digital tools but will also promote inclusivity by making technology accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.”

The funds, awarded under the Digital Equity Champion grant program, will support two major initiatives:

• Mobile access kits – Wake County Public Libraries will establish a lending service for Chromebooks and internet hotspots, making digital resources more accessible to low-income households, individuals in rural areas and aging residents. This service will help bridge the digital divide by providing vital tools for connectivity.

• Assistive technology enhancements – Public computers at libraries will be upgraded with software and hardware to increase accessibility for community members with disabilities. This includes the installation of high-contrast keyboards, trackball mice and other assistive technologies.

Library leaders plan to use the initial 120 days of the grant period to develop a comprehensive implementation plan, identify lending locations based on community needs, and collaborate with Wake County’s Information Technology department and other partners. As the projects roll out, the County will monitor usage and impact to inform future recommendations.

Wake County is one of 63 organizations across the state to receive a portion of a total $30 million in grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The grant money will be distributed on a quarterly basis, with the funding term extending through Dec. 31, 2026.

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