Contest

Libraries Without Borders's Mobile Beacon Moment

If awarded with a Mobile Beacon Community Grant, how will your organization use the monetary donation?

Founded in 2007, Libraries Without Borders US (LWB US) is a non-profit organization committed to expanding access to relevant, reliable, and at times life-saving information for underserved communities around the world. By partnering with libraries and community-based organizations, LWB US creates innovative tools and strategies that meet people where they are—whether by building a pop-up library in a laundromat on the outskirts of Detroit, or by creating a community learning space in a manufactured housing community (pejoratively known as a “trailer park”). Through the Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI), for example, LWB US combats the digital divide by providing technology and by delivering in-person library and literacy programs in laundromats.

Through the Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI), LWB US has re-designed laundromats across the US into learning hubs where under-resourced communities can participate in programs from local non-profits and where students can access WiFi and homework help. Now in more than 8 states, WALI offers English-language classes, free tax preparation, and storytime and literacy activities—all at the laundromat. However, with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the need in low-income communities for resources, educational programs, and WiFi access became greater than ever. Under stay-at-home restrictions, many people were forced to move their day-to-day activities—everything from work to worship, school to the gym—online. The spread of this virus has highlighted the weak, or in some cases nonexistent, digital infrastructure of these communities, especially in the predominantly Black and Latinx communities where LWB US works. In Baltimore, San Antonio, and Loiza, Puerto Rico, for example, more than a quarter of all households lack broadband internet at home.

In response to these new challenges, LWB US instituted a series of rapid response efforts designed and implemented based on dialogue and surveys with its constituents. In San Antonio, Texas, Baltimore, Maryland, and Loiza, Puerto Rico, LWB US launched its ConnectED Tech Kit program—an innovative, rapid response solution that provides individuals and families with a backpack filled with an educational resource packet, refurbished laptop, and Mobile Beacon hotspot. LWB US distributes these tech kits to low-income families through existing LWB US networks and partners, including at laundromats, churches, and public parks.

With the $10,000 of prize funding, LWB US will support these rapid response efforts in Baltimore, San Antonio, and Puerto Rico. Specifically:

• LWB US will designate $2,500 to purchase computers and technology to expand its work from Sector La 23 in Loíza, Puerto Rico to include two new neighborhoods in Loíza: Piñones and Tocones.
• LWB US will designate $2,500 for Link Puerto Rico, LWB US’ Puerto Rico partner and contractor that ensures the on-the-ground maintenance and day-to-day operations of LWB US’ projects on the island
• LWB US will designate $2,000 for its Operations and Finance Coordinator, who oversees the deployment of ConnectED Tech Kits and the design of socially-distanced, safe community learning centers in Loíza, Puerto Rico
• LWB US will designate $1,500 for its Baltimore Project Assistant who oversees the design and distribution of ConnectED Tech Kits in Baltimore
• LWB US will designate $1,500 for its San Antonio Project Assistant who oversees the design and distribution of ConnectED Tech Kits in San Antonio

How will your organization use the 10 mobile hotspots with free internet service?

Libraries Without Borders US will use the 10 mobile hotspots with free internet service to meet the needs of its constituents in Baltimore and expand its Baltimore ConnectED Tech Kit initiative.

Since the launch of LWB US’ ConnectED Technology Kit program, LWB US has provided critical and often live-saving technology to over 98 families in Baltimore. However, for some of its distributions, LWB US did not have sufficient funding to provide every family with a hotspot, despite an urgent need. Receiving 10 mobile hotspots and free internet service will therefore allow LWB US to circle back to Baltimore residents who did not receive a hotspot in their tech kit and provide the internet needed to maximize their kit’s use. LWB US will then distribute remaining hotspots to the over 400 families still on its tech kit waiting list.

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In Baltimore, Libraries Without Borders US (LWB US) has provided nearly 100 families with access to a computer, internet connection, and educational resources.

In San Antonio, LWB US has distributed over 50 hotspots and over 110 laptops, serving nearly 500 individuals in the city, since many recipients currently share the LWB US device with members of their households.

In Sector La 23 in Loíza, Puerto Rico, LWB US provided nearly 30 computers and hotspots to individuals and Sector La 23’s community center. These devices provide students in the community with the capacity to continue online learning.

Through this ConnectED Technology Kit initiative, since March 2020 LWB US has supported communities’ capacity to thrive and access information from the safety of their homes. Based on LWB US’ survey results, ConnectED Kit recipients have used the devices to:

• Find health information or health services (e.g. local health clinic)
• Complete the 2020 Census
• Complete schoolwork
• Read the news
• Learn a new skill
• Attend virtual summer camps
• Pay bills
• Find financial information or financial services (e.g. online banking)
• Search for employment
• Email friends and family
• Use social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc)
• Watch movies and Youtube

San Antonio Testimonials:

One 18 year old recipient of the ConnectED Tech Kit who identifies as Hispanic informed LWB US that prior to receiving the Kit, she did not have access to either a laptop or internet connection. Pre-COVID, she accessed these devices by visiting the public library on San Pedro Ave. At the start of the pandemic, her grades were dropping significantly because she was having to complete assignments on her phone. After receiving a kit and using it for online school, she has seen her grades rise back up to average.

“It's a really good program, and it actually helped me a lot. I'm starting school and I didn't have a hotspot before, and I was worried about how I was going to get online. The hotspot has been a really great help for me.”
— ConnectED Tech Kit recipient in San Antonio

“...Participating in the ConnectED kit has impacted my life in a very good way because I am finally starting my GED clases, and I was able to complete my drivers course test to obtain my drivers license. It's helped me a lot in the manner where I can get stuff online rather than go out and put my children at risk of getting sick, so we can be as safe as possible."
— ConnectED Tech Kit recipient in San Antonio

Baltimore Testimonials:

“ConnectED Tech Kit made it possible for my son to finish the school year out through virtual learning.”

“Having an extra computer has allowed the kids to work on school work when I am teleworking.”

“My niece is in college and was able to finish her work on time once the pandemic hit and everything transitioned online.”

“I have used it [the kit] all summer for both of my coding camps, and my summer school camp. I like that I have the hot spot too because even if we are in the car I can still use my Chromebook. I was able to join my summer camp meeting even though we were driving.”