Harris County Public Library officials announced Feb. 16 a collaborative project with Google and T-Mobile to provide residents with internet access. According to a news release, the program features 40,000 T-Mobile 5G hotspots available now, and about 15,000 Google Chromebook laptops are expected to be available starting in March.

“HCPL is thrilled to partner with T-Mobile and Google to help bridge the digital divide in our community,” HCPL Executive Director Edward Melton said in a statement. “By providing adequate access to connectivity and technology, we are helping to improve the quality of life and strengthen our community in keeping with our mission of being a pathway to knowledge."

The initiative, HCPL Connected, allows library cardholders to visit their local branch and fill out an application to check out these devices.

According to the HCPL, hotspot checkouts are renewed automatically until at least June 30. Funding for the $30 million program came from the American Rescue Plan Act, which released funds to schools and libraries for the expansion of access to online resources.

For more information, visit the HCPL digital access webpage at www.hcpl.net.