Libraries are essential for internet access, even as national broadband projects ramp up

Kentucky’s mountains, hills and large rural population have historically made broadband rollout challenging for the state, so in lieu of home internet, some residents depend on local libraries, such as the Spencer County Public Library in Taylorsville. The library has all the things you’d expect to find: children’s and teens’ sections, reading areas, community meeting spaces, as well as more than a dozen computers scattered around. Director Debra Lawson said that while those computers are used less frequently lately—patrons typically bring in their own devices—the Wi-Fi usage is “through the roof.” “We leave our Wi-Fi up 24/7,” Lawson said. “So sometimes … I come in the next morning, check on the camera, and there’ll be people outside in 35 degrees in sleeping bags using the internet.” Around a quarter of Spencer County residents don’t have access to broadband internet. Internet access is free for patrons, but the library still has to pay for it. After a 70 percent discount with an educational rate, Lawson said the library pays $2,700 every year for internet service. But Lawson said it’s worthwhile because she’s not sure what some patrons would do without it.