Library Garners Grant Funding to Acquire Mobile Hotspots

This week, Mid-Continent Public Library was awarded a CARES Act grant (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) from the Missouri Department of Economic Development and administered by the Missouri State Library for $82,016, which will be used to purchase mobile hotspots for Library customers to access internet remotely. In addition, Jackson County has contributed $50,000 for additional hotspots to be used for Library customers pursuing higher education, particularly students attending Metropolitan Community College.

“We are thrilled to be the recipient of this generous grant, which will help the Library support students struggling to stay connected while attending classes,” said Steven V. Potter, MCPL Director and CEO. “Now more than ever, an internet connection is vital for all aspects of our lives—professional, educational, social—the hotspots acquired by this funding, along with the additional matching funds provided by Jackson County, will allow customers to access the internet to attend classes and continue their post-secondary education during these very challenging times.” 

The hotspot project is aimed at expanding public access to high-speed Wi-Fi, a resource that is especially important as many schools and workplaces continue to operate virtually. MCPL is in the process of acquiring the devices and will begin lending them in the next few weeks. More information about the checkout process will be released then.