Williamsburg Regional Library has rolled out mobile internet across Greater Williamsburg to help people who can’t visit the library still access the internet during the coronavirus pandemic.
The mobile hot spots will alternate locations each day, staying in a location for two hours at a time, according to a WRL news release. The library system also set up some long-term hot spot locations that will be accessible 24/7. The program is funded by the Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library.
“We know that many people in our community depend on the library for internet access, and we want to be able to continue to offer this essential service even while the buildings are closed,” library director Betsy Fowler stated in the release. “In these uncertain times, it’s critical that everyone in our community has access to vital government resources from the Social Security Administration, the Virginia Employment Commission, the census, and many others.”
The library system bought Wi-Fi hot spots and has put them in cargo vans so they can take the internet to parking lots and neighborhoods, the release states. Folks will be able to drive up and use the internet while sitting in their cars to follow proper social distancing recommendations from state and federal government officials.
You must drive within 30 feet of the WRL cargo van to access the hot spot, and up to 15 devices can connect to the hot spots at a time, according to the release.
“We’re working every day to find creative answers to how we can continue to provide the library’s many valuable services to our community during this challenging time,” Fowler said in the release. “This Wi-Fi hot spot initiative is a great example of those efforts, and we’re proud to be pioneering new and exciting ways to keep our users connected with the resources they need.”
Mobile hot spot locations
Mondays
James Blair Middle School, 101 Longhill Road, from 8-10 a.m.
James River Elementary School and Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, 8901 Pocahontas Trail, 8-11 a.m.
Quarterpath Crossing, 1470 Quarterpath Road, 1-3 p.m.
Ewell Station, 5601 Richmond Road, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesdays
Monticello Marketplace, 4680 Monticello Ave., 10 a.m. to noon.
Settlers Market and Walmart Neighborhood Market, 4670 Casey Blvd., 10 a.m. to noon.
Wednesdays
Toano Middle School, 7817 Richmond Road, 8-10 a.m.
Warhill High School, 4615 Opportunity Way, 8-10 a.m.
Williamsburg Crossing, 5235 John Tyler Highway, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Aldi grocery store, 1504 Richmond Road, 1-3 p.m.
Thursdays
Lightfoot Marketplace, 6485 Centerville Road, 10 a.m. to noon.
Candle Factory Shopping Center, 7537 Richmond Road, 10 a.m. to noon.
Fridays
Grove Christian Outreach Center, 8800 Pocohontas Trail, 9 a.m. to noon.
James-York Plaza, 701 Merrimac Trail, 10 a.m. to noon.
Midtown Row, 1234 Richmond Road, 10 a.m. to noon.
Walmart Supercenter, 731 East Rochambeau Drive, 1-3 p.m.
Governors Green, 4511 John Tyler Highway, 1-3 p.m.
Saturdays
Dollar General, 7147 Richmond Road, 10 a.m. to noon.
Williamsburg Marketcenter, 6610 Mooretown Road, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
24/7 stationary hot spot locations
Dollar General, 8766 Pocahontas Trail
Home Cooking, 8953 Pocahontas Trail
Powhatan Apartments, 226 Burton Woods Drive
Burnt Ordinary, 7901 Sterling Drive
Merrimac Crossing, 159 Merrimac Trail
Williamsburg Library, 515 Scotland St.
Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary St.
James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Road
