Since the middle of October, the Perry Public Library has been offering a special service to the community, and residents have been taking full advantage of it.

Library Director Mary Murphy says they’ve had a great deal of success in allowing people to check out one of four mobile hotspots. Patrons in good standing who are 12-years-old and up can check out a hotspot for a week, providing their homes with high-speed wireless internet for free. At first Murphy was unsure if people would utilize the service, or if they would take full advantage of it. So far, though, the latter has proven true. “You know, you hear about things, what other libraries are doing, and you’re like, ‘Is this suitable for my community?’ And when you see that they are checking it out, they are using it, they are getting some use out of what you’re serving them.”

In addition to the four free hotspots, the public can also rent a fifth hotspot for $5-a-day to provide wi-fi to their larger events. Murphy says that device hasn’t seen as much use, but believes it’s a great idea for people throwing big gatherings and want their guests to have internet access at a low price. The mobile hotspots are available now at the library, and if all of them are checked out, you can reserve one of them just like you would reserve a book. For more information, stop into the library or call them at 515-465-3569.