How Seattle Public Library’s Wi-Fi hot spot program has fared

Seattle residents don’t have to be at a Seattle Public Library (SPL) branch to use the internet. In a 2013 study about technology access and adoption in Seattle, the city found that 15% of 4,315 Seattle residents couldn’t access the internet, despite resources such as community center and library computers. In 2015, SPL launched the Wi-Fi hot spot circulation program as a way to address the lack of affordable, widespread internet access. While anyone with a library card can check out a hot spot for up to 21 days from their nearest library branch, outreach hot spots can be loaned out for much longer. While SPL’s yearlong closure caused a dip in checkouts in 2020, Seattle residents used their checked-out hot spots even more during the pandemic. In 2021, additional general circulation hot spots shortened the waiting time for a hot spot from 10, to 4 or 5 weeks. Residents and community partners generally agree the hot spot program has been beneficial. It currently has a rating of 4.5 stars on its website, averaging 418 reviews as of August 17. Seattle community leaders have emphasized that the ultimate solution is to have broadband access more widely and permanently across the city.