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Borrow a Family Wi-Fi Hotspot
HOW LONG – 4 week loan (no renewals)
WHERE – Munson Memorial Library or North Amherst Library
HOW – Request online, pick up at the branch [Munson's hours and North's hours]
With our Family Wi-Fi Hotspot lending program, we are able to extend free internet access to families beyond our library buildings. Hotspots can be borrowed from our branch libraries by any CW MARS cardholder who is at least 18 years of age and has a library card in good standing. Hotspots can be borrowed for 4 weeks and cannot be renewed.
A hotspot provides unlimited data for up to 10 connected devices. Each hotspot kit contains a hotspot device, a charging cable, and a protective case.
* Family Wi-Fi Hotspots have web content filtering enabled. Explicit and unsafe websites are blocked. Learn more about content filtering (PDF). Please note that content filtering is imperfect. Some websites may be inadvertently blocked; others may be inadvertently allowed.
T-Mobile provides the devices, the network, and the technical support for this program. Library staff are available to assist patrons who need help requesting a hotspot.
For additional information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (below).
- Where can I borrow a Family Wi-Fi hotspot?
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You can borrow a Family Wi-Fi hotspot at the Munson Memorial Library or the North Amherst Library. Hotspots may be available on a walk-in basis, but due to high demand we recommend that you request one and we'll contact you when it's ready for pick-up. See below for details.
Please note that the Jones Library also has a Wi-Fi hotspot lending program.
- Who can borrow a hotspot?
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You must be at least 18 years old and have a CW MARS library card in good standing to borrow a hotspot. Limited to one hotspot per household.
- Can I request a hotspot?
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Yes. You can request a hotspot through our catalog using your library card number and PIN. Please note that Family Wi-Fi hotspots can only be picked up and returned to the Munson Memorial Library and the North Amherst Library.
- How long can I borrow a Family Wi-Fi hotspot?
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Family Wi-Fi hotspots check out for 28 days and there are no renewals. If a hotspot isn’t returned by its due date, the wireless service to the hotspot will be remotely turned off.
Our hotspots are very popular, so we ask that you please return it by its due date.
- Can I renew a hotspot?
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No. Wi-Fi hotspots are not renewable. But you may request another hotspot.
- What is the coverage area of a hotspot?
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The hotspots connect to the T-Mobile network. See a map of the T-Mobile coverage area.
- How do I use a hotspot?
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A short Getting Started guide is included with the hotspot. You can also view the User Manual (PDF).
Need help? Call T-Mobile at 1-800-375-1126.
- Are there any restrictions on data or internet use?
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Data usage is unlimited and the library does not track internet usage. By borrowing and using the hotspot, you are agreeing not to engage in illegal activity. The library is not responsible for any files, data, or personal information accessed or transmitted using a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Family Wi-Fi Hotspots have web content filtering enabled. Explicit and unsafe websites are blocked. Learn more about content filtering (PDF). Please note that content filtering is imperfect. Some websites may be inadvertently blocked; others may be inadvertently allowed.
Family Wi-Fi hotspots are supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) / Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funds and provided through a program administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). A condition of the program is that web content filtering be enabled.
Please note that hotspots providing unfiltered internet access are available for a 2-week loan through the Jones Library's Wi-Fi hotspot lending program.
- Can I use a hotspot outside the U.S.?
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Hotspots can be used inside the continental U.S. and in Puerto Rico. There is no international data or roaming available. See the T-Mobile coverage area for further details.
- What if I lose or damage a Family Wi-Fi hotspot?
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Family Wi-Fi hotspots are supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) / Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funds and provided through a program administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). A condition of the program is that library patrons will not be held monetarily responsible for loss or damage, though library borrowing privileges may be affected.
Family Wi-Fi hotspots are supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) / Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funds and provided through a program administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
Updated September 3, 2021