Story County libraries to deploy hotspots and tablets to all branches after local grant

Story County library directors told the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4 that hotspots and tablets purchased with a Story County Community Foundation grant will be available at every county branch, and they described plans for training and cross‑branch programming.

“Everyone's going to have hot spots and tablets,” said Sheila Schoffer, director of the Ames Public Library, describing the grant rollout. Library staff said the group originally pursued a larger federal grant with county support but, after that effort was unsuccessful, used the Community Foundation award to move forward with a countywide pilot.

Directors said the devices will arrive first at sites already experienced with circulating hotspots and that neighboring libraries may partner to share programming and audiences. “We might even team up libraries that are close to each other, like Collins and Maxwell,” a director said, describing plans to coordinate circulation and outreach.

Library leaders said they will provide technical assistance and training for staff and trustees. At the meeting, directors noted a programming component is planned so the devices can be used as part of broader services, and each branch may set circulation rules that fit local needs.

Directors offered examples of rural uses. Jennifer, director of the Slater Public Library, recounted a patron who planned to use a hotspot “in our barn to run our cameras during lambing season,” indicating a nontraditional but locally important use for the devices.

Library staff said they will meet next week to plan distribution and programming specifics; supervisors asked staff to share a timetable for deployment and any training needs. No formal county action or funding commitment was made during the session; the grant — not county general funds — was identified as the source for the hotspots.