Hotspots

Click here to borrow a hotspot.

There are no hotspot renewals. Hotspots are checked out for two weeks and must be returned to the service desk (not the book drop) at the library.

There are no hotspot renewals. Hotspots are checked out for two weeks and must be returned to the service desk (not the book drop) at the library. If there are no holds on hotspots, upon return, patrons may check-out another hotspot.

Who Can Borrow a Hotspot?

Hotspot borrowers must be 18 years old and in good standing with the library.  Only one (1) hotspot is allowed per household, but each hotspot will support up to ten (10) connected devices.  Hotspots can only be checked out in person at Medford Public Library and cannot be sent to another library for pick up.

For How Long?

Hotspots may be borrowed for two (2) weeks. There are no hotspot renewals. Hotspots must be physically returned and checked in ON-SITE at the Library. It is a requirement that the hotspot be handed to a Circulation Desk Staff member (not left on the Circulation Desk for return). Hotspots may not be returned in the Book Drops.

Another hotspot (not the same hotspot returned) may only be checked out to the same patron if there are hotspots which were available prior to return with no holds placed on them by other patrons. Returned hotspots with no holds on them may not be checked out to the same patron for 24 hours.

Fines & Fees

Hotspot borrowers will be fined $1 per day late, up to a total of $10.

Loss or Damage

Loss of a hotspot will incur a $50 fee.

Acceptable Use

Borrowers will adhere to the Medford Public Library’s internet acceptable use policy when using the mobile hotspot. What this primarily means for the internet provided by the Hotspots is:

• • Do not use the internet for illegal purposes

• • Do not use the internet to transmit threats or harass anyone

While checked out, the hotspot remains the responsibility of the borrower. Borrowers should not lose control of the device by lending to friends or associates. 

Any attempt to alter the configuration of the hotspot is strictly prohibited and may result in loss of borrowing privileges.

Misuse or abuse of the Medford Public Library’s equipment may result in the suspension of access privileges. A revocation of hotspot borrowing privileges may be appealed by written request to the Library Director, through the email medtech@minlib.net.

Hotspot Availability

Hotspots may be reserved, just like a book, through the library catalog or by calling the library at (781) 395-7950 during normal business hours.

The hotspot should be picked up within two (2) days, or it will be set aside for the next user.

Hotspots should be returned to a staff member at a Medford Public Library service desk.  Do NOT place the hotspot in the book drop.

Hotspots should be returned with the power cord, SIM card, battery and case to the Medford Public Library in the same good working condition as it was when it was checked out.

If the hotspot is not returned within three (3) days after the due date, service will be turned off and the hotspot will become unusable. 

Using the Hotspot

To turn on the Hotspot, press and hold the power button for three seconds. If the device is charged, it should read “Welcome” on the small screen as it loads.

When it completes turning on, the screen should show “T-Mobile ” as well as battery and reception bars  for a few moments. before turning on the screen. If you would like to know the username and password, press the power button to toggle through the pages (the first one should be Wi-Fi Name, the second one is the password). The Wi-Fi network information can then be accessed through a borrower’s personal device’s Wi-Fi settings to enable internet access. 

The power button blinks either blue or green while the hotspot is powered on.

To turn off the hotspot, press and hold the power button for three seconds. It should read the word “Goodbye” before blanking out the screen. 

How does it work

Hotspots provide wireless internet access by using data provided by cellular device carriers. 

Technical Difficulties

Technical support is provided by T-Mobile to library hotspot borrowers at: (844) 341-4834.

Hotspots use T-Mobile’s network to connect to the internet, meaning if the Hotspot is in a location that does not have T-Mobile cellular service, it will not work. Please refer to the T-Mobile Coverage Map to determine you will have coverage. 

The Hotspots will not work outside of the United States. 

If the hotspot is damaged or not working, please return it to a library service desk. Report the nature of the damage to a staff person.

Disclaimers

The Medford Public Library is not responsible for any files, data or personal information accessed/transmitted using the hotspot.

The Medford Public Library will have no liability for direct, indirect or consequential damages related to the use of the mobile hotspots, including loss of data, or privacy invasions.  Those who use the hotspots do so at their own risk and assume full liability for their actions.

Hotspot users are accessing the internet through the T-Mobile network, not the Medford Public Library’s network.

Illegal acts involving Library equipment or services may also be subject to prosecution.

The Medford Public Library does not guarantee the hotspots will be charged upon check out.