Innovative program provides laptops for home or in-branch use at libraries
An innovative idea to bridge the digital divide in Upper Grand communities has expanded to reach even more students.
The Upper Grand District School Board now has Chromebooks for student use in 25 public libraries across the district.
The program was first launched in April at three pilot sites within the Wellington County library system: Drayton, Palmerston and Mount Forest.
It has since grown to include all 25 library branches that serve the region, 14 in Wellington County, seven in Guelph, two in Orangeville as well as the Shelburne Public Library and Grand Valley Public Library.
Available at all branches
Each library branch has been outfitted with five Chromebooks that are available exclusively for Upper Grand students to access and complete their homework and assignments.
Not all regions in the Upper Grand district have the same access to residential broadband networks. Internet access is not always available or affordable for all families. Many rely heavily on public internet services, such as those offered in libraries.
The Chromebooks program aims to provide equity of access to the Internet and technology for all students in the board and also ensures students won’t have to wait in line to use a computer in their library.
Students can use the laptops in the libraries, or take them out for a period of time.
Local library branches can provide loan period details to anyone interested.
