Thursday, September 17, 2020 Charleston County Library

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) is now offering new Career Connection Kits to assist Charleston County job seekers who have limited or not internet connectivity. These kits, which include a Chromebook as well as a Kajeet Wi-Fi hotspot, are available through the following branches:

  • Main Library
  • Baxter-Patrick James Island Library
  • Bees Ferry West Ashley Library
  • Mobile Library
  • St. Paul's Hollywood Library
  • Wando Mount Pleasant Library
  • Dorchester Road Library (when it reopens after renovations)

The Kajeet devices were awarded to CCPL through a grant aimed at expanding digital network access, the purchase of internet accessible devices and providing technical support services. This project is made possible in part by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the South Carolina State Library.

“A digital divide exists in our community, and this lack of connectivity can make it very difficult for job seekers to get the resources they need to find a career,” said CCPL Associate Director John Walden. “These Career Connection kits are another way for us to narrow the gap and provide an important service to our community.”

The kits may be checked out by adult library cardholders for a period of four weeks (28 days) and are not renewable. There are 10 total kits available for checkout, six at the Main Library and four at the Baxter-Patrick James Island Library. Patrons interested in checking out a kit must attend an in-person orientation before receiving the kit. The orientations will be led by a CCPL Tech Team staff member and a CCPL Workforce Development Librarian, with the first orientation session scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Main Library. The orientation will introduce the equipment to the patrons, show them how to connect to the Internet using the Kajeet hotspot, help patrons create or confirm their Gmail accounts, review the linked workforce sites and videos, and more. Patrons will also be encouraged to complete weekly check-ins with library staff during the checkout period.

Interested in signing up for the program? Just call CCPL at 843-805-6930 or email [email protected]. For more information on other job resources available at your local library, visit ccpl.org/letushelp.