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Duchesne County Library Board: digital borrowing surges as mobile hotspots end
Summary
Board members reported record digital circulations — about 850 Libby checkouts and more than 600 Hoopla circulations in October — and discussed ending the library’s mobile hotspot service on Dec. 13 while installing upgraded branch Wi‑Fi; the board will promote the federal Lifeline discount program for qualifying households.
Unidentified Speaker 2 told the Duchesne County Library Board that the library saw record digital use in October, with roughly 850 circulations on Libby (library‑purchased content) and more than 600 on Hoopla, and said the library will end its mobile hotspot service on Dec. 13 as it installs new Wi‑Fi equipment for the Duchesne branch.
Why it matters: Board members said the shift to digital and infrastructure upgrades affect access for patrons who cannot visit branches. Unidentified Speaker 2 said the new Wi‑Fi equipment will improve service at branch entrances but will not extend across entire parking lots, and that continuing the hotspot contract would cost the library “thousands of dollars” next year.
Details from the meeting: Board members described real-world uses for Hoopla and Libby — for example, allowing multiple book‑club members to access the same title simultaneously when the library cannot purchase multiple print copies. Unidentified Speaker 5 said patrons report needing Hoopla until the next month when their access renews, and Unidentified Speaker 3 said Wi‑Fi use at branches has been increasing.
Hotspots and devices: The board asked whether returned hotspot units could be repurposed. Unidentified Speaker 2 said many of the devices are obsolete and some vendors will not accept older models; the board discussed keeping a small number on hand for outreach but noted the devices are effectively unusable if the paid service is turned off. Unidentified Speaker 4 suggested contacting the vendor (named in the discussion as Strata) to ask whether newer devices could be returned or credited.
Alternatives and outreach: Because the hotspot contract is ending and some patrons rely on mobile service, Unidentified Speaker 2 said the library will publicize the federal Lifeline program (a discount for qualifying households receiving SNAP, utility assistance or similar benefits) to help residents who need subsidized Internet or phone service.
What happens next: The board did not take a recorded vote on the hotspot contract during this meeting; discussion concluded with direction to shift outreach toward Lifeline enrollment and to proceed with the Wi‑Fi equipment installation work funded by a recent grant.
