Mobile Hotspots

The East Greenbush Community Library provides mobile hotspots for checkout to patrons for use with their personal wireless devices. A mobile hotspot is a small, portable device you can use to connect a wireless enabled device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet to the Internet. Please note that this service is being offered in response to the pandemic, and availability and/or policies may change at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can borrow a hotspot?
Hotspots are available to adult East Greenbush/Schodack resident cardholders with accounts in good standing on a first-come first-served basis. Online cards and MyCards are not accepted. Patron must present a library card or government-issued ID at checkout. Only one hotspot can be checked out per household. After checking in a hotspot, a patron must wait at least 48 hours before checking out a hotspot again.
How long can I borrow a hotspot?
Hotspots are available on a first-come first-served basis and can be checked out for three (3) days. They are not renewable.
Can I request or renew a hotspot?
Hotspots are not requestable or renewable in the catalog. Resident borrowers may call the library at 518-477-7476 to request a hotspot for same-day pickup.
Where do I check out/return a hotspot?
Hotspots are to be checked out at the circulation desk or requested for pickup at the drive thru window. Return hotspots directly to the welcome desk at the East Greenbush Library, confirming that the hardware is turned off. If the library is only offering curbside service, go to the drive thru during pickup hours and request a staff member to report to the front door for a safe return.
What if something happens to the hotspot?
Once a hotspot is checked out to a patron, it becomes the responsibility of that patron. Any changes in condition or content while in the patron’s care will be the patron’s responsibility. The patron is responsible for damage, loss, theft, and/or International Roaming charges accrued due to data usage outside of the United States.
If any technical problems are encountered, patrons should return the device immediately to the welcome desk.
Hotspot Replacement/Damage Fees:
Item | Cost |
Hotspot | $150 |
Case | $20 |
Cord/adapter | $15 |
Total kit | $185 |
Any attempt to reset or reconfigure the hotspot will result in a $10 reconfiguration fee. Other damage fees will be assessed on a case by case basis.
How to I use the hotspot?
How many devices can I connect?
What is the data plan?
How much does it cost?
What is the coverage area?
Is the library tracking user activity?
Internet usage is not tracked by the Library or the Internet service provider. The Library does not have access to or collect specific usage data. The Library does not provide patron information to the service provider. The only data the Library collects about the hotspots are the following:
- total amount of data transmitted and received by each device during a billing cycle, and
- anonymous circulation data related to the number of checkouts of each device.
Disclaimer
Wireless security is not implied. The user acknowledges and accepts all risks associated with the use of the wireless data device. There is no warranty, express or otherwise.