Ottawa Public Library bridging digital disparity in technology access with new features, lending abilities

The Ottawa Public Library is setting up new ways to give computer, Internet and printing access to help bridge the digital divide.

The new features are staying for as long as the provincial stay-at-home order, and is there to address the disparity in access to technology in the community, OPL said in their announcement.

Printing services are available at all open OPL branch locations.

Chromebooks are also now available for three-hour loans with outdoor WiFi access at Alta Vista, Beaverbook, Carlingwood, Centennial, Greenboro, North Gloucester, Rideau, St. Laurent, Stittsville, Vanier, Main, Emerald Plaza, Elmvale Acres, Cumberland, Orléans, Rosemount, Sunnyside, Manotick, Carp, Hazeldean, Nepean Centrepointe and Ruth E. Dickinson.

Additional WiFi hotspots will be based on community need, as supply increases.

Chromebooks must be reserved due to provincial regulations, OPL explained. Reservations can be made up to three days in advance via the OPL website or by calling InfoService at 613-580-2940. Customers can submit a print request using the form on the OPL website. form on the OPL website.

To keep OPL customers and employees safe, and to follow all stay-at-home orders, OPL is providing curbside pickup at branch entrances and online services only.

This means that public computers inside OPL branches are no longer available.

To date, OPL said it has already loaned out more than 200 Chromebooks and 20 WiFi hotspots.

Throughout the city, 31 Library branches remain open for curbside returns and holds pickups.

Hours of operation remain the same.

Cardholders can return Library items and pick up holds without an appointment by lining up at the branch entrance, where employees are there to help.

Cardholders can return Library items only when branches are open.

Homebound and Bookmobile Services continue, though customers will not be able to enter the vehicle.

The OPL website is available 24/7 for virtual browsing of our catalogue, varied digital resources and a wide range of virtual programs.

Reservations can be made via the OPL website www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca or by calling InfoService at 613-580-2940.