$50,000 Initiative Funded by T-Mobile for Government,
Wellpoint Maryland & Library Foundation
(December 4, 2024 – Brooklyn Park, MD) Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) and Foundation officials today joined County Executive Steuart Pittman in launching a long-term Chromebook lending program. The $50,000 initiative, funded by T-Mobile for Government, Wellpoint Maryland and the Library Foundation, will provide 56 Chromebooks with free data to Brooklyn Park Library customers for up to 12 weeks.
“Access to a computer and to reliable internet isn’t a luxury anymore, it's a necessity in our modern world,” said AACPL CEO Skip Auld. “This program will empower customers to pursue education, career opportunities and other essential online services that might otherwise be out of reach.”
Although the library system has been lending laptops, Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots since 2020, these devices are so popular that they often have lengthy waiting lists and must be returned within 21 days. Currently, more than 110 customers are waiting for the library's Chromebooks, while nearly 200 are on the list for Wi-Fi hotspots.
“This Chromebook lending program empowers Maryland families by providing access to laptops, effectively addressing financial and technological barriers,” said Wellpoint Maryland’s Director of Marketing Lori Hammond. “Wellpoint Maryland is proud to have contributed to the effort to bridge the digital divide.”
“T-Mobile for Education works with libraries across the country to close the digital divide by providing access to hotspots, low-cost internet and devices that enable robust connectivity for library staff and the patrons they serve,” said Dave Bezzant, vice president, T-Mobile for Government. “T-Mobile has long been committed to using our 5G network, scale, and resources for good by helping to build a more connected and equitable future for all. We partner with libraries to make technology accessible and create digital resources that matter.”
Library officials selected the Brooklyn Park Library to serve as the hub for this initiative as the area has the highest number of device checkouts. For this program, T-Mobile supplied the Chromebooks and offered a substantial discount on data plans, while Wellpoint contributed $10,000 and The Library Foundation donated $15,000.
Grace Planalp of Brooklyn Park checked out the first Chromebook as part of this new program. The devices can be reserved through the library’s online catalog but must be picked up and returned to the Brooklyn Park Library.
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