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Westbrook library board declines state Laptop ConneCT program, will expand local laptop and hotspot options
Summary
Library Director Michelle Centore told trustees the board supports opting out of the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Laptop ConneCT program because of home-internet requirements, missing productivity software on supplied devices, licensing costs, and staff onboarding needs; the library will explore designating local laptops for home loans and acquiring hotspots.
The Westbrook Public Library Board of Trustees supported Director Michelle Centore's recommendation to opt out of Connecticut's Laptop ConneCT program, citing concerns about home internet requirements, limited software on supplied machines, licensing expenses, and staff time for onboarding.
"Centore indicated that the library may look at designating a portion of the existing laptop collection for home use and acquire hotspots to guarantee a better home use experience," the minutes state. The board agreed the existing in-library laptops and Wi-Fi met most patrons' needs for online learning and office software.
Centore explained specific reasons for declining the state-funded option: qualifying patrons would need to provide their own home internet; the provided laptops do not include word-processing software; licensing-related expenses would fall to the library; and there is required staff time for onboarding eligible patrons. Trustees encouraged staff to pursue local solutions such as hotspot purchases and a formal home-lending policy.
