Mobile Hotspots Lending Service
Tuckahoe Public Library offers FREE access to unlimited, high-speed mobile hotspots to any Tuckahoe, Bronxville or Eastchester Public Library cardholder, 18 years of age or older, in good standing. Patrons can borrow the hotspot for 7 days and have internet access anywhere T-Mobile provides data coverage. One hotspot can connect up to ten devices at a time, including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. Perfect for people who need internet access at home, on vacation, or on a road trip for business.
FAQ
Who can borrow?
Tuckahoe, Bronxville or Eastchester Public Library cardholders in good standing.
Patrons must be 18 years of age or older to borrow a hotspot. (Note: For patrons under 18 years, parents or guardians may borrow the hotspot for them.)
How many Hotspots can I borrow at a time?
Patrons may borrow one hotspot per household at a time.
How long can I borrow the Hotspot?
Hotspots may be borrowed for 7 days. After returning the hotspot, patrons must wait 2 weeks before checking out another. Overdue hotspots will accrue late fees and the hotspot service will be deactivated remotely.
How to check out a Hotspot?
The “Hotspot Kit” will be checked out at the Circulation Desk. A complete “Hotspot Kit” consists of the following items:
- Hotspot
- Charging Adapter
- Case
- Instruction Sheet.
The complete kit will be inspected by staff and the borrowing patron at the time of pickup to ensure that all items are present and in acceptable condition.
How do I return the Hotspot?
The “Hotspot Kit” must be returned to the Tuckahoe Public Library, to a staff member at the Circulation Desk. All items will be inspected at time of check-in to ensure that all items are present and in acceptable condition. Hotspots should never be returned at other libraries, or placed in Library book drop – they could be damaged and you will be responsible for replacement costs. A fine of $25 will be administered to any patron who returns a hotspot through our book drop
What is the late fee if I return it late?
The late fee is $10 per day, and the hotspot service will be deactivated remotely.
Can I renew the Hotspot?
No, hotspots are not renewable. After returning the hotspot, patrons must wait 2 weeks before checking out another.
What if I lost the Hotspot or the accessories?
Patrons are responsible for any damage or loss of hotspots or accessories while they are checked out. Lost or damaged items will be charged to the patron as follows:
- Hotspot Kit: $100, and the hotspot service will be deactivated remotely.
If items are lost or damaged separately -
- Charging Adapter: $10
- Case: $10
Will the Hotspot work everywhere?
The hotspot will only work where T-Mobile has data coverage. If you plan on taking the hotspot with you on a trip, you will definitely want to check T-Mobile data coverage map.
Instructions
Before you connect to the hotspot, make sure your computer, tablet, or other wireless devices has Wi-Fi capability and Internet browser software.
How to Turn on the Hotspot?
Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds until the “Welcome” message appears on the panel screen.
How to Connect my device to the Hotspot?
- Make sure that Wi-Fi is enabled on your device.
- After the welcome screen followed by the T-mobile network information, press twice on the power button for Wi-Fi network name beginning with: Franklin T9….. Choose this network on your Wi-Fi settings from your devices.
- Press the power button once more on hotspot for a password. Type the password into your device’s Wi-Fi settings.
How to Turn off the Hotspot:
Press and hold the power button until the “Goodbye” message appears.
How to charge the Hotspot battery?
Insert the small end of the USB cable into the micro-USB charging port on the right side of the hotspot. Plug the charging adapter into a standard AC power outlet.
(Note: It normally takes 3~5 hours, depending on your power source and device status to fully charge the battery. The battery discharges faster as additional devices connect to your hotspot. Battery life depends on the network, signal strength, temperature, features, and active connection time. When charging, keep your device near room temperature. Never leave the hotspot in an unattended vehicle due to uncontrolled temperature that may be outside the desired temperature for your device.)
What if I need help with the WiFi Hotspot kit?
If you need help connecting your personal device to the hotspot, please call 914-961-2121 to speak to one of the librarians at the reference desk.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues:
- Move the device to a different location.
- Restart the hotspot and your personal device.
- Check your setting menu on your device to see that the Wi-Fi connection on your personal device is turned on.
- Make sure the hotspot is not more than 30 feet away from your personal device. The connection strength will be weaker if your device is farther away from the hotspot.
- Visit T-Mobile data coverage map to determine the strength of the signal at your address.
- Run an internet speed test on your device.