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Public Library

Tech Help, Hotspots, and Chromebooks

San Diego Access 4 All graphic
SD Access 4 All helps provide digital access and resources to the community by providing free Wi-Fi and internet access as well as laptop use at select library locations. Patrons may visit participating libraries and use this service available through our outdoor computer labs. We are excited to offer this service to patrons of all ages to access information, complete job searches and allow students to do their homework with a reliable internet connection. Members of the community are welcome to take advantage of this easy-to-use resource that is available to anyone who needs it.
 

Digital Navigators 

The Digital Navigator Program offers free, one-on-one assistance to help San Diegans obtain low-cost computers, sign up for affordable internet service, improve their computer skills or get basic tech support. Call 1-800-350-6945 to get help by phone or schedule an in-person appointment.

Learn more

November Digital Navigator schedule


Tech on the Go

A new mobile digital literacy program – Tech on the Go – is offering free in-person classes for any San Diegan who wants to learn how to use a computer and better navigate the internet. Classes are held at libraries and community centers and open to people of all skill levels. Check out the schedule and register for a class!

November Tech on the Go schedule

December Tech on the Go schedule

Mobile Hotspots & Chromebooks

The SD Access 4 All initiative provides internet access to families and households that need connectivity support. The mobile hotspots are easy to use and allow users to connect their laptop, tablet and other Wi-Fi enabled devices to the internet. Patrons must have a library card in good standing to check out a hotspot or Chromebook.
 
Click here to find an available mobile hotspot. Please call Library Location to confirm availability.
Click here to find an available Chromebook. Please call Library Location to confirm availability.

Hotspot  Use Agreement (English online form)

Hotspot  Use Agreement (Spanish online form)

Chromebook Use Agreement (English online form)

Chromebook Use Agreement (Spanish online form)

 

Hotspot Guides

Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro Hotspot


Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro Hotspot
Quick Start Guide
Troubleshooting Guide

Franklin A10 LTE Mobile Hotspot


Franklin A10 Hotspots
Quick Start Guide

 

Photo of the front of a Franklin A50 Wifi Hotspot

 


Franklin A50 Hotspots

Quick Start Guide

AT&T User Manual

 
 
 

Chromebook Guides

Photo of an open laptop.

HP Chromebook Enterprise 14 G7
Quick Start Guide

HP User Guide
 


 

Frequently Asked Questions

  

Hotspots

Which Libraries are participating in this program?
 
How do I check out a device?
Hotspots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call one of the participating locations  or search the online catalog  to confirm if any Chromebook kits are available..
 
Who can check out a device?
Patrons age 12 and up with a valid library card. If you don’t have a library card, you can apply for one online. Patrons under 18 must have a parent/guardian signature for the Wi-Fi Hotspot Kit Use Agreement.
 
How long can I keep a hotspot?
You can borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot for 90 days. Renewal is not available for hotspots. Overdue hotspots will have internet access deactivated within 24 hours.
 
Where can I return a Wi-Fi hotspot?
A Wi-Fi hotspot must be returned to the San Diego Public Library location where it was checked out. Please return in person and not through a book drop. You must return the device with all the original packaging and accessories. Please fully charge the battery before you return the device.
 
How do I renew it?
Wi-Fi hotspots are non-renewable at this time.
 
Why does my Wi-Fi hotspot say "Mobile Broadband Disconnected"?

Contact the Digital Navigator Helpline at 1-800-350-6945 for assistance. A Digital Navigator will follow up with you to inform you whether the service has been reactivated or if you need to return the hotspot to the library.
Please note: Hotspot service may be suspended (disconnected) if the device is lost, overdue, or unused for 30 days.

 
What if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Please report the incident to the library where the device was borrowed. You may still be responsible for the full replacement cost and your library privileges will be suspended until resolved.

Can I reserve a hotspot?

Hotspots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call one of the participating locations  or search the online catalog to ensure availability.
 
Is there a fee to check out a hotspot?
Borrowing and using the device is free! Please check our Loan Policy.
 
What if I need help with a Wi-Fi hotspot?
If you need help using a Chromebook or Wi-Fi hotspot you can get one-on-one assistance see Tech Help, Hotspots and Chromebooks . You can also call 800-350-6945 to get help by phone or schedule an in-person appointment with a Digital Navigator or check out this video.
 
Is there any data limit?
In general, there is no data limit. However, the service provider may intermittently lower speed or limit the amount of data.
 
If hotspot prompts to update software or firmware, what should I do?
The hotspot periodically receives software updates from the service provider. You can accept the update, which may take a few minutes.
 
Do hotspots have content filters?
Use of the hotspot is subject to AT&T's Acceptable Use Policy, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, all are available on AT&T's website https://www.att.com/legal/terms.aup.html. Please be advised it is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to monitor their children’s internet usage.

Chromebooks

How do I check out a Chromebook kit?
Call one of the participating locations  or search the online catalog  to confirm if any Chromebook kits are available. To check out a kit, you must complete the Chromebook Use Agreement online located on the SD Access 4 All website. By checking the user agreement box, patrons acknowledge they have read the terms and conditions and agree to abide by the terms and conditions. Patrons must provide proof to staff (e.g. email confirmation) at the location where the equipment is being checked out that they have completed the agreement.
 
Who can check out a Chromebook kit?
Patrons age 12 and up with a valid library card. If you don’t have a library card, you can apply for one online. Patrons under 18 must have a parent/guardian complete the Chromebook Kit Use Agreement online form.
 
How long can I keep a Chromebook?
Chromebook kits may be borrowed for 90 days. Renewals are not available at this time. Overdue kits will have their Chromebooks remotely locked within 1-week beyond their due date.
 
Where can I return a Chromebook kit?
Chromebook kits must be returned to the San Diego Public Library location where they were checked out. They cannot be returned in book drops and must be returned at a service desk. You must return the device with all the original packaging and accessories. Please fully charge the battery on the Chromebook before you return the device.
 
How do I renew it?
Chromebooks are non-renewable at this time.
 
What if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Please contact the library where the device(s) were borrowed, and file a police report if a device was stolen.

Can I reserve a Chromebook kit?

No. Chromebook kits are only available on first come first serve basis. Please call one of the participating locations  or search the online catalog to ensure availability.
 
How much does it cost?
Borrowing and using the devices are free! There is no cost associated with this service. These devices are available, thanks in part to funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund, administered by the Federal Communications Commission. However, failure to return equipment and/or any accessories can result in a fee to restore the kit as well as loss of check out privileges.
 
What if I need help with the Chromebook or Wi-Fi hotspot?
If you need help using a Chromebook or Wi-Fi hotspot you can get one-on-one assistance see Tech Help, Hotspots and Chromebooks . You can also call 800-350-6945 to get help by phone or schedule an in-person appointment with a Digital Navigator.
 
Can I use the devices when I travel outside the United States?
The Chromebooks can be used at any location, however, the hotspots and internet access will only be available in the U.S.
 
If the Chromebook or hotspot is prompted to update software or firmware, what should I do?
Chromebooks and hotspots periodically receive software updates from the service provider. You can accept the update, which may take a few minutes.
 
Is information about my computer and internet usage tracked by the library or the service provider?
The San Diego Public Library does not have access to or collects specific usage data and does not provide patron information to the service provider.

Internet Portátil Gratis

El programa de internet portátil de SD Access4All brinda acceso de internet a familias y hogares que carecen de estos servicios. Los dispositivos Wi-Fi son fáciles de usar y permiten a los usuarios conectar computadoras portátiles, tabletas y otros dispositivos habilitados para el Wi-Fi a internet. Para participar en este programa debe de tener una tarjeta de la biblioteca válida.


Acuerdo de Uso de Hotspot

Image of WIFI hotspot device

Preguntas Frecuentes

¿Cuales son las bibliotecas participantes? 

Los 36 surcusales de la Biblioteca Pública de San Diego.

¿Cómo puedo obtener un dispositivo de internet móvil (Wi-Fi)?
Visita o llama a una de las bibliotecas participantes.
¿Quién puede pedir prestado el dispositivo internet móvil (Wi-Fi)?
Usuarios de 12 años y mayor pueden tomar prestado el dispositivo Wi-Fi. Jóvenes menores de 18 años tienen que tener la firma del padre de familia/tutor legal.
¿Por cuánto tiempo puedo tener el dispositivo de internet móvil (Wi-Fi)?
Lo puedes tomar prestado por noventa días. No podrás renovar o extender la fecha de vencimiento. Si no es entregado a tiempo, el servicio de internet se cortará dentro de 24 horas de su fecha de vencimiento.
¿Dónde puedo regresar el dispositivo?
Debes de regresar el dispositivo a la Biblioteca Pública de San Diego donde fue obtenido. Por favor regresa el dispositivo en persona y no en el buzón de regreso. Debes de regresar el artículo con todos los accesorios y contenido original. Favor de cargar la batería completamente antes de devolverlo.
¿Cómo lo puedo renovar?
Los dispositivos no pueden ser renovados en este momento. Favor de regresarlos a la biblioteca.
¿Cuánto cuesta?
Tomar prestado y usar el dispositivo es gratis. Te recomendamos leer nuestra póliza de pérdidas y recargos.
¿Qué sucede si pierdo o devuelvo un dispositivo tarde?
Si se pierde el dispositivo, contacta a la biblioteca donde se obtuvo inmediatamente. Puede que aún seas responsable de la multa de reemplazo.
¿Qué pasa si el dispositivo se pierde, es robado o dañado?
Contacta inmediatamente la biblioteca donde el dispositivo fue obtenido e informa del incidente. Puede que aún seas responsable de la multa de reemplazo.
¿Qué sucede si necesito ayuda con un dispositivo de internet móvil (Wi-Fi)?
Si necesitas ayuda para utilizar un dispositivo de Wi-Fi, comunícate con la biblioteca donde lo obtuviste o revise este video.
¿Puedo reservar un dispositivo?
Los dispositivos no pueden ser reservados en este momento. Favor de contactar a una de las bibliotecas participantes.
¿Hay algún límite de datos?
En general no hay límite de datos. Sin embrago, el proveedor puede reducir la velocidad o limitar la cantidad de datos disponibles en su red durante un periodo de tiempo corto.
¿Si el dispositivo pide que actualice el programa o firmware, ¿qué debo de hacer?
El dispositivo recibe periódicamente actualizaciones de programación del proveedor de servicio. Puedes aceptar la actualización, la cual puede tardar unos minutos.
¿Los dispositivos tienen filtros de contenido?
El uso del punto de acceso móvil (hotspot) está sujeto a la Póliza de uso aceptable, la Póliza de privacidad y los Términos de uso de AT&T; todos están disponibles en el sitio web de AT&T https://www.att.com/legal/terms.aup.html.  Por favor ten en cuenta que es la responsabilidad de los padres el monitorear el uso de internet de sus hijos al utilizar este servicio.