Wood Buffalo Regional Library (WBRL) continues to be more than just books, they’re now allowing WBRL cardholders a chance to take home various technology devices such as laptops through their Tech to Go project.
In 2021, WBRL was awarded $40,000 from the Government of Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative Grant which provided funding for the project.
COVID-19 limited many Canadians’ access to various public amenities, so the federal government invested $31 million to provide funding for local governments, charities, Indigenous communities and nonprofits, for projects, programming and services that help communities.
WBRL Assistant Director, Lindsay McFarlane explained that their public computers are a popular service and that it was hard for some people when public health restrictions forced them to close their doors.
“That was when we realized we need to offer more for people to take home,” said McFarlane. “We get a lot of people coming in and spending time working on their resumes and on their paperwork.”
All devices can be taken out for whatever use they’re needed for according to McFarlane; the computers are wiped completely to avoid any privacy concerns.
She explained that while the equipment is expensive, they believe it’s an important service to offer the community.
“People are generally really respectful of library materials.”
Devices that can be checked out now from the WBRL include:
- Chromebooks
- Lenovo ideapad Laptops
- MacBooks (Air Model)
- iPads (Assortment of Pro, Mini, and Air Models)
Additional are expected to be added later this summer.
Resources ranging from books and video games to running strollers can all be checked out from the WBRL website.