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Technology Kits

A Technology Kit is a package of items loaned to patrons to get on the web: The Jersey City Free Public Library is pleased to offer Technology Kits for check-out at most of our branch locations. Patrons must agree to abide by the Technology Kit guidelines below.

What’s Included

Each technology kit includes the following items:

  • Laptop Bag
  • Chromebook with Built in LTE
  • Charger
  • Quick Start Guide
Hotspots

We also have hotspots but may not be available for checkout due to its popularity among our patrons. Please call your local branch library to ensure that they have a hotspot available for check out.

About the Kits

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs on the Google Chrome operating system. Chromebooks use Google’s Chrome web browser and Google’s wide variety of cloud bases apps such as Google Docs, Sheets, Meet and much more.

Hotspots are mobile devices that provide the user with high-speed Wi-Fi internet access. Users connect the Chromebook to the library hotspot to connect to a wide variety of resources available on the internet. Hotspots are filtered and therefore, some websites will be blocked.

Eligibility Requirements:

To borrow, the patron must present a Jersey City Free Public Library card that:

  • Has no fees or blocks for any reason.
  • Is a full privilege library card (No reciprocal or subscription cards).
  • Is designated as an Adult User (18 years or older).

Patrons under 18 may borrow a kit if a parent or legal guardian in good standing with the library (see above) checks out the kit.

Checking out a Technology Kit:

At the time of checkout, a staff member will inspect the kit to ensure that all of the items are included and working properly. The borrower must initial the terms of the checklist in front of a staff member and must sign the Jersey City Free Public Library Technology Kit Agreement.

The cardholder understands that full responsibility for the technology kit and all of its parts is the sole responsibility of the cardholder.

jcfpl technology kit
Chromebook Manual
Quick Start Guide

Circulation Rules:

  • Kits circulate for 14 days.
  • A maximum of One (1) kit per card.
  • Technology Kits will only be checked out to the library cardholder or the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18.
  • Patrons may not check out a Technology Kit and loan it to another user. Patrons discovered engaging in this activity will have their Technology Kit checkout privileges suspended for one month.
  • Technology Kits must be returned to the circulation desk at the library branch from which it was checked out.
  • If all kits are checked out, a hold can be placed and you will be contacted as to the kit’s availability. Please contact your closest branch for assistance.
  • Patrons assume all responsibility for damaged or missing items including the cost to repair any damaged parts of the kit or lost contents. We cannot accept replacement parts.
  • Technology kits not returned within 7 days of the due date will automatically be disabled.

Returning a Technology Kit:

At the time of return, a staff member will inspect the laptop to ensure it is intact and working properly and that all items in the kit are present (laptop, hotspot, and two chargers). The borrower will then initial the return checklist (verifying kit contents) in front of the staff member. The check-in process can take 10-15 minutes.

Lost/Damaged Item Fees and Liability:

All equipment must be returned in the same condition as received; if returned damaged or lost, the patron agrees to pay for the replacement cost.


FAQ

How do I check out a technology kit?

Please visit your nearest library branch to check out a kit. You will need a valid Jersey City Free Public Library card. Kits are available from the Gardner Main, Cunningham, Earl Morgan, Five Corners, Heights, Miller, and Pavonia branches.

Who can check out a technology kit?

Any adult patron with a valid library card. If you don’t have a library card, you can apply in person or online. A parent or guardian can check out a technology kit for their child on their adult card and accept all responsibility for its use. Reciprocal cardholders are not eligible.

How long can I keep the devices?

You can borrow a technology kit for 14 days. If the tech kit is not returned within 7 days of its due date, the library reserves the right to disable the Chromebook.

Where can I return a technology kit?

Technology kits must be returned to the Jersey City Free 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 and hotspot before you return the device.

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

Please contact the library where the devices were borrowed, and file a police report if a device was stolen. All replacement fees are listed in the technology kit agreement you sign when you check it out. If the kit is lost or stolen, the library reserves the right to disable the Chromebook.

Can I reserve a technology kit?

Yes, you must call or visit one of the participating libraries to be added to the waiting list. If inventory is available, you may be able to take home a kit the same day.

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.

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.

Are there any data limits on the hotspots?

The hotspot vendor (T-Mobile) has the right to limit data usage.

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 Jersey City Free Public Library does not have access to or collects specific usage data, and does not provide patron information to the service provider.

Will I be asked for my personal information when I use the Chromebook or browse the internet using the hotspot?

The Jersey City Free Public Library will not ask you for any information when you use the Chromebook or browse the internet using the hotspot. Upon being returned, the devices will go through a factory reset to ensure no data will remain on the devices.

Will content be filtered?

The Jersey City Free Public Library is in the process of being CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act) compliant, and these devices will adhere to CIPA compliance rules. Some sites may be blocked due to this. Questions can be sent to webmaster@jclibrary.org.

Attention: The Five Corners Branch will have a delayed opening at 11 AM on Wed, Jul 10th due to staff development.

Please be informed that the Earl Morgan Branch will be closed for Staff Development from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday October 29, 2024. Hours of operation will resume at 1 PM.
📢 Communipaw Branch Hours Now Extended! Check out the new schedule at jclibrary.org/branch/communipaw 📅

The Learning Center will be closed from Wednesday, May 29 through Friday, May 31. Thank you for your understanding.

The Marion Branch will closed from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM on Friday, August 16 due to staff development. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo desde JCFPL! Celebrate with us and explore our Spanish-language collections at Biblioteca Criolla.

All library locations will be closed on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. We will reopen and resume services on Tuesday, November 12.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Marion Branch Library will temporarily close Today, 6/4/2024, from 12:00pm-1:00pm. The Marion Branch will reopen at 1:00pm.

Biblioteca Criolla has new operating hours. See the updated schedule here.
Please be advised that the Earl Morgan Branch will be closed for Staff Development from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on September 24, 2024. Hours of operation will resume at 1 PM.

Miller Branch will open at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, due to a delayed opening.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Biblioteca Criolla at PGML will temporarily close Today, 8/15/2024, from 4:00pm-5:00pm.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on August 16, 2024, and will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Please be informed that the Bookmobile will be off the road today, Tuesday, November 19.

Morgan Branch will open at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 16 due to staff development. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Bookmobile Services Temporarily Unavailable from May 8th to May 10th. We apologize for the inconvenience caused.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Program Room at the Heights Branch will be closed Today, 8/19/2024

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Marion Branch will be closed Today, 8/19/2024 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Heights Branch will open at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 16 due to staff development. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Biblioteca Criolla will be closed from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Today, Tuesday, August 20, 2024. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

Heights Branch will have a delayed opening at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Five Corners Library will open at 11am on Wednesday, June 12th. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Marion Branch will be closed Today, 8/22/2024 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

All library locations will close at 12:30 PM on 8/23/2024 for the Annual Backpack Giveaway. Please note that only patrons who registered during the specified period will receive a backpack due to high demand. 

All Library Locations Will Be Closed on Friday, April 19, for Staff Development. The Library Will Open for Services on Saturday, April 20. We Apologize for Any Inconvenience.

Please be advised that the Bookmobile will be out of service from Monday, August 26th, to Monday, September 9th. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Today for Hudson Gives, there will be a $5k match minute at 2:01 p.m. and later at 5:51 p.m.. All giving will end at 11:59PM on May 17th.

📢 Important Update: The Communipaw Branch Library is closed today. We apologize for the inconvenience.

We are currently experiencing an issue where some patrons with Yahoo email addresses may not receive email notifications from our system, SIRSI. SIRSI is actively working to resolve this problem, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.

The Cunningham Branch will be closed from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM today November 19. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please note that the Bonetti Department will be closed from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024, for the SLP Kickoff Party ,which will take place in the Fourth Floor Multipurpose Room. Thank you for your understanding.

In observance of Labor Day, all JCFPL locations will be closed on Saturday, August 31, and Monday, September 2. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 3 during regular hours.

Please be informed: the Cunningham Branch will open at 1:00 PM on June 26th; we appreciate your understanding.

Today’s (Nov 21) scheduled Bookmobile stop at Newport Apartments (River Dr. South near Duane Reade) has been cancelled.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on June 28, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on July 19, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on September 20, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

All library locations will be open from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Wednesday, November 27.

All library locations will be closed from Thursday, November 28, through Sunday, December 1, in celebration of Thanksgiving. The library will reopen for regular hours on Monday, December 2.

CORRECTION, NO DELAYED OPENING: The Pavonia Branch will be open during its regular hours, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Correction: The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on Friday, November 22, 2024, and will open at 10:00 am.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on December 20, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Earl Morgan Branch will be closed Today 6/17 from 2 PM to 3 PM. The branch will reopen at 3 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Biblioteca Criolla Will Be Closed for Services Today 6/17 From 2 PM Onward Due to the SLP Kick Off Party in the 4th floor Multi-Purpose Room.

📢 Due to unforeseen circumstances, today's "World Animal Day" craft event on October 4, 2024 has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Please be advised the Heights Branch will be closed for staff development on Wednesday, June 26, from 10 AM to 11 AM. The branch will open at 11 AM following the session.

Please be informed that the West Bergen Branch will open at 2:00 PM today, September 3, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Registration for the Jersey City Free Public Library Annual Backpack Giveaway has been extended until August 12. Visit this page to register while supplies last.

The Priscilla Gardner Main Library will open at 12:00 pm on 05/24/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Please be informed that the Marion Branch will be closed for Staff Development from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on October 11, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Five Corners Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 05/30/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the West Bergen Branch will be closed today 8/1. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

CORRECTION: The Marion Branch will be open for regular hours on Friday, November 15, 2024.

The West Bergen Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/05/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Please be informed that the Marion Branch will be closed for Staff Development from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on December 13, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Cunningham Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/06/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Please be informed that the Five Corners branch will be closed to the public for Staff Development on September 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Morgan Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/13/2024 due to a delayed opening.

The Miller Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/18/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Please be advised that the Bookmobile will be off the road for the remainder of the week and will return on Monday, August 5th. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The Marion Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/20/2024 due to a delayed opening.

📅 Find out when the Bookmobile will be in your neighborhood! See Bookmobile Schedule

The Heights Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/21/2024 due to a delayed opening.

All library locations will be closed on Monday, October 14, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We will reopen for services on Tuesday, October 15.

The Bookmobile is out of service until Thursday, June 27, 2024.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on August 30, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the bookmobile will be off the road from Tuesday, Oct.15 through Thursday, Oct. 17. 

Our holiday schedule has been updated for each of our branches. We encourage you to visit your branch's page to view important information regarding closures, limited hours, and alternate hours. Thank you.

In observance of Memorial Day, all branches of the library will be closed on Monday, May 27th, 2024. The library will be open for service on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024. Thank you for your understanding.

The Heights branch will be closed to the public for Staff Development on September 18, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The bookmobile will be off the road today, Oct 4, 2024. Thank you for your understanding.

West Bergen Branch Is Temporarily Closed Today 5/23/2024 due to flooding. We Anticipate Reopening on or Before Fri., May 24.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Pavonia Branch will be closed today 8/9/2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

The Cunningham Branch will be closed from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM today, July 6. It will reopen at 2:00 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

The Communipaw Branch will be expanding it's hours of operation starting on November 1st. For more details, visit the Communipaw Branch Page.

Please be advised that Priscilla Gardner Main Library will be closing at 5pm today, April 11th, 2024.

All library locations will be closed on Friday, October 25, for staff development, and the Bookmobile will not be making trips. Regular services will resume on Saturday, October 26.

Please note that all library branch locations will be closed in observance of Independence Day on July 4th, 2024.

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