The Chatham-Kent Public Library is making it easier for everyone to access the internet, in an effort to reduce the digital divide for residents in the municipality.
In partnership with Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services (CKESS) and the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT), the library has launched a new initiative called “Connect CK” to allow residents without internet or devices, or who are vulnerable in other ways, to access the internet.
Those who utilize the program can access the internet from home by borrowing a wifi hotspot or wifi-enabled laptop. They can also book a dedicated space in a municipal building to utilize the technology there.
Adult patrons of the library can check out the hotspots and laptops with a valid library card.
Qualifying residents also have the opportunity to receive a free refurbished laptop through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
The “Connect CK” initiative will allow residents to attend virtual appointments for medical care, as well as virtual meetings for social services, court services, employment resources, community navigation, and library services.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have witnessed a growing demand from clients requesting help with accessing important virtual appointments for services they are involved with. We are proud to be involved with the Connect CK initiative which will provide additional opportunity to meet this demand,” said Matt Keech, a program manager with CKESS, in a news release.
According to a recent survey conducted by the CKOHT, 75 per cent of respondents reported they had health care appointments in the last year that were conducted over the phone or by video conference. However, only 35 per cent of respondents said that they had everything they needed for their virtual appointment.
“CKPL staff have long recognized that the digital divide exists in Chatham-Kent,” said Tania Sharpe, CEO and chief librarian at the library. “We are so pleased to be able to partner with the CKOHT and CKESS to address this service gap in Chatham-Kent.”
For more information on how to borrow a wifi hotspot or wifi-enabled laptop, visit the Chatham-Kent Public Library website by clicking here.