WAPAKONETA — The six locations of the Auglaize County Public District Library System are now offering mobile wi-fi hotspot devices that allow patrons to connect a mobile-enabled device, such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet, to the Internet.

The devices are available for checkout at the following public libraries in Auglaize County: Wapakoneta, Cridersville, Minster, New Bremen, New Knoxville, and Waynesfield.

The mobile hotspot is portable.

Beth Steiner, director of the Auglaize County Public District Library System, said, “The new mobile hotspot devices are an extension of the free wi-fi available at all of our locations.” The mobile devices are part of a growing trend nationally in which public libraries are expanding services beyond traditional lending of books, DVDs and CDs. These lending programs perform a critical role: in addition to providing basic broadband access to low-income residents, they allow patrons to access free e-books and other digital library resources, and they enable users to complete online job applications and perform other critical web-based processes at home. Outreach efforts are also aimed at the elderly and disabled, who often need access to healthcare information.

Residents may place a hold on the devices and the library will notify them when a device is being held for pick-up. There are 10 nobile hotspot devices available to check out for up to 14 days: three at Wapakoneta and one at each of the branch locations. The two additional mobile hotspots are available to be scheduled for a specific calendar date.

Patrons must be at least 18 and provide a valid driver’s license, state ID or library card to check out a hotspot.