News Flash

Uncover hidden gems at your library with us as we showcase services and materials that can enrich your life. We'll explore something different each week, helping you make the most of your library card. This week learn about using a hotspot.

RCPL makes it easy to get online with a hotspot, available at all locations. If you are a library card holding resident of Roanoke County, you can check out a hotspot for free. Hotspots can be used to connect your tablet, laptop, or other WiFi enabled device to 4G LTE networks. Check one out here.

View the Verizon Coverage Map

View the T-Mobile Coverage Map (5G where available)

Hotspots may be borrowed by RCPL patrons 18 and older who live within Roanoke County. Patrons must have and use a library card to check out hotspots. 

The loan period for hotspots is 28 days, at which time the Library may deactivate the device and the device must be returned to the service desk of the library branch from which it was checked out during open hours. You may call a branch and ask staff to place a hold on hotspots. A returned hotspot must be checked by Library staff before it can be checked out again. The Library reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who abuse equipment, or who are repeatedly late in returning electronic devices, or cause the Library to disconnect service to the device. If a patron is late in returning a device three times resulting in the Library having to deactivate the device in order to have it returned, and/or the patron fails to return the device within a month of the due date resulting in a service disconnect, they will lose hotspot borrowing privileges.

One hotspot may be checked out per library card at a time with a limit of two per household.

Fees

Hotspots are free to borrow and borrowers will be liable to pay for the unit if lost or damaged.

• Lost hotspot charge varies by device
• Lost cable/adapter charge is $15
• Lost case charge is $16
• Loss of entire package varies by device
• A fee of $5 will be assessed for removing or damaging cases, equipment, batteries, barcodes, rule cards, instruction booklets, etc.

There is a $5 processing fee in addition to all charges listed above.

View all rules of use here. And put one on hold here.