WiFi Hotspots
How to get a HotspotA hotspot is an encrypted mobile wireless network that allows you to connect phones, tablets, laptops, Chromebooks and other mobile devices to the internet without having to have a SIM card or data plan.
The Flint River Regional Library System (FRRLS), in conjunction with a grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) is offering hotspots for checkout to be used at home as part of an effort to provide technology assistance with COVID-19 Pandemic related issues and recovery. The intention of the grant is to provide internet access to people who need it at home for use with schoolwork, employment, and personal use.
Patrons access the internet at their own discretion. Although many valuable sources of information are available via the internet, the Library can neither verify the accuracy nor control the content of material found. Patrons may find that some websites contain material they consider offensive or inappropriate. Parents and/or guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their minor children’s use of electronic resources, including email, and to establish guidelines consistent with personal and individual family values and boundaries.
Hotspots are checked to PINES Library cardholders 18 years of age or older for fourteen days. A valid PINES Library card, current and in good standing, is required each time a hotspot is checked out or renewed. Limit one per household.
Patrons must return the hotspot to the public service desk at the library where it was checked out during library hours. Patrons may not return the hotspot in the bookdrop or to another branch.
Hotspots may not be renewed, but another may be checked out if one is available when the first is returned.
If a patron loses or damages the hotspot or any of its components, the replacement costs will be:
- Hotspot: $79.99
- Case: $19.99
- USB to USB-C cable: $9.99
- AC Adapter: $9.99
- Total replacement max: $99.98 (hotspot + case)
Furthermore, while using a library hotspot, understand that:
- Use of the library hotspot for illegal purposes is expressly forbidden, in accordance with applicable legal statutes.
- Use of the hotspot to access material that is obscene as defined under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 16−12−80), child pornography as defined under federal or state law (18 U.S.C. 2256; O.C.G.A. 16−12−100), and material that is “harmful to minors” as defined under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 16−12−102) is not allowed.
- FRRLS is not responsible for any liability, damages or expenses resulting from use or misuse of a library hotspot, connection of the hotspot to other electronic devices, or data loss resulting from use of a library hotspot.
- FRRLS is not responsible for the breach or interception of confidential information resulting from the malicious activity of another internet user.
- The internet contains images and content that may be offensive or harmful to some. FRRLS is released from all liabilities associated with the viewing, use, or exposure to any images and content patrons may encounter while using this wireless connection.
- Patrons create, use and store personal data, including all files, folders and media, on their own computer or other device at their own risk. FRRLS is not responsible for the loss of any personal data, including all files, folders and media.
- Reconfiguring the hotspot is not allowed.
- Press and hold the Power button on the hotspot for 5 seconds. The hotspot will display welcome screens, followed by a data usage screen.
- Press the Menu button (at top edge of hotspot) to toggle through options until you see “2.4GHz WIFI Info.”
- Press the Power button to select “2.4 GHz WIFI.”
- The name of the hotspot’s WiFi network will be displayed next to the WiFi icon and the password next to the lock icon.
- On your personal device, connect to WiFi by selecting the network name displayed in the previous step. (If using a phone or tablet, you will find available networks listed under “Settings.” If using a Chromebook or PC, you will look for the Internet settings icon at the bottom right hand of the screen, next to the time and date.)
- Enter the password listed on the hotspot’s display into your device. Passwords are case sensitive and must be entered exactly as shown. You may now use your hotspot. Recharge as needed with cord provided.
- To turn off the hotspot, press and hold the Power button until it says “Powering Off.”
Chromebook
To connect a Chromebook, click on the Wireless Network Connection at the bottom, right hand of your Chromebook near the date and time.
Click the Dropdown Menu for connections. You are looking for a connection that starts with Verizon.Choose the Verizon connection and type in the password, which is found on both the 2.4 screen and 5G screen on the hotspot. Then click Connect. That’s it! The hotspot screen may go to sleep but the hotspot will stay on and connected to the internet.
Windows PC
To connect a PC, click on the Internet Access icon at the bottom, right hand of your computer near the date and time. You may have to click an up icon ^ to get it to display.Choose the Verizon connection and type in the password, which is found on both the 2.4 screen and 5G screen on the hotspot. Then click Connect. That’s it! The hotspot screen may go to sleep but the hotspot will stay on and connected to the internet.
PhoneTo connect on your phone, go to the Wi-Fi setting on your phone, usually under connections or by hold-touching the wireless symbol in the settings menu at the top. You will see a list of Wireless Connections available.
Choose the Wi-Fi connection with the name that starts with VerizonType in the password, which is found on both the 2.4 screen and 5G screen on the hotspot. Then click Connect. That’s it! The hotspot screen may go to sleep but the hotspot will stay on and connected to the internet.
Still having problems?
Make sure you don’t have Airplane mode turned on. All Wireless devices are required by law to have an Airplane mode which disables Wireless access. It’s easy to turn it on by accident.
Find an Item in PINES
Example: Zoo Atlanta
Enter Search Words