Residents can now check out Chromebooks from the Chatham-Kent Public Library to access the internet from home.
The devices are data-enabled, meaning users do not require a Wi-Fi connection to use the web.
Library users who are 16 or older and in good standing may borrow a Chromebook for up to 21 days. All 11 Chatham-Kent library branches have Chromebooks.
To reserve a laptop, contact library staff by phone at 519-354-2940, by text message at 519-401-7174, by email at [email protected] or by sending a message to Chatham-Kent Public Library on Facebook messenger.
The program comes from the Connect CK initiative, which is a partnership between the library, Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team and Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services. The collaboration is meant to reduce the digital divide for Chatham-Kent residents.
Community navigators through employment and social services can also help low-income youth or families and qualifying non-profit and charitable organizations with obtaining a refurbished computer at no cost.
That initiative is from a partnership between the municipality and Habitat for Humanity. The community navigators can be contacted at 519-355-1380 or [email protected].