Cedar Rapids Public Library expanding its laptop lending program

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Patrons can now borrow more laptops from the Cedar Rapids Public Library as the library expanded their laptop lending program thanks to money from the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund.

The laptops are part of a project to make it easier for patrons to use computers. This was a need that was discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The library continues to seek opportunities to reduce barriers to access for our patrons. Thanks to funding from the FCC, we will be able to grow this valuable resource and provide more opportunities for all of our community to access this critical technology,” said Library Director Dara Schmidt.

Laptops are available for borrowing from the library for a period of 10 days.

One laptop per library card holder who is 18 years of age or older and has a picture ID is permitted.

They may be requested through the library catalog and picked up in person as soon as they become available.

The library also offers laptop kits, which comprise a Chromebook laptop and a WiFi hotspot, which may be checked out for a period of ten days at a time.

The laptop kits, which are worth $350, must be returned to a library employee.

If they are past due, the kit will shut down, making the hardware inoperable and unusable. If the kit is not returned to the library, the patron agrees to cover the cost of its replacement.

Each time a customer turns down their computer or stops their session, the laptop will be cleaned by the system.

Laptops only have internet access and no extra applications, such as Microsoft Word, and nothing can be stored on the hard drive or saved to the desktop.

Since 2017, the library has been providing WiFi hot spots for up to 10 days at a time to users who have their own devices but do not have an internet connection at home via the Metro Library Network.

You may get more information about the Cedar Rapids Public Library by visiting their website or calling 319-261-7323.