Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenberg County

When COVID-19 closed Library doors, many services successfully pivoted to meet customers' needs remotely. However, no tangible solution existed for providing customers with critical internet access for telehealth, online schooling, job searching and more. In partnership with the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance and inspired by the BKYLNConnect Playbook, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will pilot its Neighborhood W.I.S.P. (Wireless Internet Service Provider) Network to increase internet access in the County's West Boulevard corridor. Nearly 41 percent of households in this area lack internet access and 35 percent live in poverty. In addition to receiving free intnet with their library card, individuals will receive digital literacy training, and some may train as support technicians. The library will test and develop there network in 350 households to demonstrate scalability for future expansion.