Users can now enjoy new, exciting opportunities to access broadband technologies, following the receipt of funding from the CARES Act and Missouri Department of Economic Development. Grant funds have been used to purchase 100 wireless mobile hotspots from T-Mobile and an outdoor wireless access point.

The mobile hotspots are capable of providing Wi-Fi for up to 15 devices. Active Library users may check-out a hotspot at the Library at 1901 E. 20th Street, during scheduled business hours, or may place a hold on the item using the online catalog found at joplinpubliclibrary.org. Curbside pickup for items is also available. The check-out period for the hotspot device is set at 21-days.

The recently installed outdoor wireless access point is being used to boost the Library’s internet signal. Free public Wi-Fi is now available 5am-midnight in the parking lot and outdoor areas of the Library.  No Library card or password is necessary.

“COVID-19 has made it more apparent that broadband access is lacking for many of our community members,” said Library Director Jeana Gockley. “By providing these resources, we are striving to increase access, and in turn, strengthen our community.”

These projects were supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the CARES Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, and from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.