As library locations are currently closed due to the Harris County "Stay Home, Work Safe" order, which is set to expire April 30, residents can drive up to most public library locations to access Wi-Fi from the parking lot while staying in their cars. HCPL's technology division has adapted existing in-library Wi-Fi equipment to give the strongest signals in the library parking lots, according to the release on the HCPL website.
“There is no doubt that COVID-19 public health measures have had a more disruptive impact on lower income families,” HCPL Executive Director Edward Melton said in the release. “Families without in-home internet are struggling to keep up with children’s schoolwork and to stay connected with employers. HCPL’s free drive-up Wi-Fi gives those families a safe and free option.”
No library card number or password is required to access the free Wi-Fi.
However, HCPL locations at Lone Star College—Tomball and LSC—CyFair are not offering Wi-Fi, as Lone Star College System campuses are closed at this time.
During the period of social distancing where libraries are closed, HCPL staff has also produced more than 300 videos of story times, crafts, book talks and tutorials, according to the release.
“We know that a lot of people across Harris County, especially kids and teens, have real connections with library staff, and in these uncertain times, we wanted to make sure they could continue to see those familiar faces,” Melton said. “Our librarians have embraced online programming in a big way, from video story times to interactive streaming anime clubs.”
Watch the library system's videos on its Facebook page or its YouTube channel.
