Wi-Fi hotspots now available at P.E.I. public libraries thanks to foundation fundraising

These days, everyone needs the internet, even if it is not affordable. The foundation that supports Charlottetown’s library is hoping to help with that for Charlottetown residents and Islanders across P.E.I. The Charlottetown Library Learning Centre Foundation fundraised tens of thousands to purchase a set of 20 Wi-Fi hotspots that can pick up internet anywhere [...]

These days, everyone needs the internet, even if it is not affordable. The foundation that supports Charlottetown’s library is hoping to help with that for Charlottetown residents and Islanders across P.E.I. The Charlottetown Library Learning Centre Foundation fundraised tens of thousands to purchase a set of 20 Wi-Fi hotspots that can pick up internet anywhere they connect to a cell tower. Anyone 16 and over with a valid P.E.I. library card can borrow a hotspot for three weeks.

They can also borrow another one after returning it to the library to give other visitors a chance. Hotspots are available now, and about a quarter have already been borrowed, Grace Dawson, P.E.I.’s director of libraries and archives, said in a July 6 Guardian interview. While the hotspots are housed in Charlottetown, the city library will send them to any of P.E.I.’s 25 public library branches.

That’s already happening, Dawson said. “The good thing is, it’s not just people from Charlottetown. We’ve been shipping them to different branches as well.

We’re hoping just with the word getting out there they’ll be pretty popular.” Library of things The hotspots are part of the library system’s growing “library of things,” which ranges from musical instruments and gardening tools to board games and telescopes. Dawson thinks the hotspots are a good fit with the library’s goal of making items accessible to the public, especially in a time of financial struggle.

“I think the reason why it’s taking off so much is once again affordability,” she said. Asked who will benefit, Dawson said lower income residents are likely users, but so are students and anyone who needs internet access but can’t manage the monthly bills. There are also safeguards against potential issues.

If someone doesn’t bring back the hotspot after three weeks, the library can shut off data remotely, making it unusable. There is a block against any illegal material, but Dawson noted there is also no data stored about users. Internet service quality is one potential problem that is out of the library and foundation’s control.

The hotspots rely on cell towers, which are notoriously spotty in P.E.I.’s rural areas and even in municipalities. “I still think it’s better to have an option there for people to utilize than nothing at all. So hopefully in the future we’ll see some improvements with those cell towers,” Dawson said.

The foundation will cover ongoing data fees, which are $1500 per month. The company providing the hotspots and servicing is Halifax-based D3 Tech, which uses Eastlink data and infrastructure, Dawson said. Provincial announcement A July 2 news release from the province said the foundation fundraised for the devices with events like the Enchanted Book Ball and 90s-00s book fair.

“The foundation also applied for external grants to help cover the cost, including a $20,000 grant received from the Rotary Literacy Foundation of P.E.I.” The foundation’s chair was not available for an interview before deadline. In 2024, a foundation board member told The Guardian the goal for the project was to raise $50,000.