What are Hotspots?
Mobile Hotspots are small devices that can travel with you or you can use at home, that provide wifi (access to the internet) to your smartphone, computer, laptop or tablet when you are in the service area - although coverage may be limited in some areas. See below for details.
How to check out a Hotspot
How do I reserve a Hotspot to check out? You can reserve a Hotspot just like you would reserve a library book. Go to the library's catalog page, log in on your library account, search for "mobile hotspot," and place a hold.
Alternatively, any library staff can also place a hold for you - feel free to call us at 941-861-1110 (Sarasota County Libraries Info Central) to place a hold for you or come to the library during regular library hours.
Can I check out more than one hotspot at a time? No, only one hotspot can be checked out at a time per library card.
How long do the devices check out for? 14 Days.
Can the hotspots be renewed? Yes, unless there is a waiting list. To renew, call 941-861-1110
Who can checkout a device? Any adult with a Sarasota County library card in good standing.
Can reciprocal borrowers check out a hotspot? No, the Hotspot program is for Sarasota residents and those who purchase visitor cards.
Do I have to sign a borrower agreement? No.
How long do I have to pick up the item? Unlike all other items in the library, patrons only have 3 days to pick up a Hotspot. After that, it moves to the next person, as these devices are in high demand.
Can I use the device in the library? No. Do not turn the devices on when in the building as it interferes with the public WiFi.
Will the device work anywhere? As with any mobile device, coverage is not guaranteed. To see if it will work in a particular area, see the Sprint Coverage Map. Please note that the device needs to be indicated to get accurate results (coolpad surf or LinkZone2).
About the Hotspot
What is in the carrying case?
The device, a power cord, an adapter, and the Quick Start Guide.
How many devices can connect to one hotspot? 10
Is there a data cap? No, data is unlimited.
Does the device have a filter? Yes, the device uses a CIPA filter. The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children's access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet. In early 2001, the FCC issued rules implementing CIPA and provided updates to those rules in 2011.
What is the Lost/Replacement Fee? $79.99
What is the Hotspot network called?
SSID (Name of Network): SRQLibrariesHotspot
Key or Password: Each device has its own unique password. The password is found on the back of each device.
Returning the Hotspot
How do I return the Hotspot? Bring the device back to the library in person. (Please don't put these through the book drop.)
What happens if the Hotspot becomes overdue? If overdue, the data will be turned off and the device will not be usable. There are no daily overdue fines.
Do we quarantine Hotspots? No, due to high demand we ask that upon return, the items are wiped down with a sanitizing agent and immediately made available for next patron.
If you have any further questions, please contact us directly through this Ask Us service, or by phone (941-861-1110) or in person during regular library hours. Thank you!