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Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending

Wi-Fi Symbol

You may now place holds on the Hotspots!

Connecting to the Hotspot

Once powered on, the Library Hotspot will show up on your device as MLNHotSpot1, MLNHotSpot2, etc. You can find the name and password on the back of the Hotspot and on the device’s display under “Wi-Fi Name/ Password.”

General Information

  • Most of our Hotspots are holdable (search for “MLN Hotspots” in the catalog); we do have a small number that are Quick Pick (QP) Hotspots and that cannot be placed on hold.
  • All Hotspots check out for 10 days.
  • Patrons must be at least 13 years old and have an account in good standing (less than $20 fines) to check out a Hotspot.
  • We guarantee at least 12 GBs of data to our patrons with each checkout.
  • Hotspots work in areas where a Verizon Wireless signal is available.
  • Fines are $1/day, and service will be shut off if the device is kept past its due date.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Q. How long can I keep the Hotspot?
A. All Hotspots check out for 10 days. QP Hotspots cannot be placed on hold, but most can be reserved. Overdue Hotspots will have Internet access deactivated within 24 hours beyond their due dates.

Q. When do the Hotspots get recharged?
A. All Hotspots in the Metro Library Network are recharged (refilled with data) on the 16th of each month.

Q. Can I use the Hotspot outside of the U.S.?
A. No, the Hotspots only work in the U.S.

Q. Can I block others from connecting to the Hotspot I have loaned?
A. Yes. To help keep data usage low, you are able to block other devices that have connected to your Hotspot by going to the menu screen, scrolling over to connected devices, selecting connected devices, and then blocking unwanted users.

Q. Can I use the Hotspot to send/receive text messages?
A. No. Texting/SMS messaging is not available.

Q. How do I return it?
A. The Hotspot device, case, and charger should all be returned together, but can be returned any place you return other library materials, including any Hy-Vee and library drop boxes.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. Borrowing and using the device is free! If the device is lost or damaged beyond repair you may be charged for the replacement cost of the Hotspot, case, and charger.

Q. What information about my Internet usage, if any, is tracked by the library or the service provider?
A. Your Internet usage is not tracked by the Library or by the service provider. The Library does not have access to nor does it collect specific usage data. The Library does not provide patron  information to the service provider. The only data about the MLN Hotspot program that may be collected is (a) the total amount of data transmitted and received by each device during a billing cycle, (b) anonymous circulation data related to checkouts of the Hotspot devices, and (c) data that patrons choose to submit to us anonymously. The Internet service provider for the MLN Hotspot program (Verizon) does not monitor or track the websites that Hotspot users visit or the information that users submit (user names, passwords, credit card information, etc.)

Please remember that the Metro Library Network is not responsible for the internet usage on the Hotspot devices. Also please be aware there is no internet filtering or site blocking on these devices and this should be kept in mind when allowing children or minors to access the internet through this device.

Thanks to Friends of the Marion Public Library for their support of our mobile hotspots!