Digital Devices To Go

In Essex County, one in every five households lacks a computer. And in Gloucester, 20% of households don’t have broadband Wifi (ECCF, 2022). A lack of equity in access to digital devices and internet is known as the “digital divide”. At the Sawyer Free Library, our goal is to help to bridge this divide in Essex County and specifically in Gloucester. We offer internet access, research databases, and printing capabilities, but we also offer digital devices for our patrons to take home. You can learn more about these specific devices below. Please read our technology policy (updated July 2023) to understand how borrowing technology works.

Find our updated technology policy here: Technology-Policy-July-2023

Attention: Unlike our books, DVDs, and other materials, the Sawyer Free Library’s digital devices and technology do accrue late fines. Because of the cost and value of our items, late fines on technology may be be higher and accrue faster than you might expect. Please return your items on time to avoid being fined. 

Our technology items are not holdable.

 

Find Kobo e-readers in the catalog.

Take the library on the go with our Kobo Clara E-readers! We offer e-readers preloaded with some of the most popular and current titles, as well as e-readers that you can connect to our library apps. Perfect for beach days, vacation, testing out an e-reader, or long road trips.

• 5 fiction Kobos, 3 nonfiction Kobos, 2 load-and-go Kobos.
• 1 week check out period, 1 week renewal.

 

 Find Chromebook laptops in the catalog.

• Browse the internet, write that novel, or get a head start on your work. Our lendable Chromebooks allow for flexibility, productivity, and entertainment, wherever you go.
• 1 Chromebook for borrowing, 1 three hour Chromebook (In-library use only).
• 1 week check out period, 1 week renewal.
• Chromebooks may be remotely managed or turned off in the event that they are not returned on time.

 

Find Wifi hotspots in the catalog.

• Take the Internet home with you– or on the go! Our hotspots allow you to access the internet and get connected wherever you are.
• 4 Alcatel Linkzone hotspots, 18 T Mobile hotspots.
• 1 week check out period, 1 week renewal.
• Hotspots may be remotely managed or turned off in the event that they are not returned on time.

 

Find sampler tablets in the catalog.

• Try out the newest apps or find out if a tablet is right for you! Sample Hoopla or Libby, browse our Digital Heritage sites, or watch past library programs on our YouTube channel.
• 7 tablets.
• 1 week check out, 1 week renewal.

Learn more about the digital divide in Essex County and what’s being done about it here.