Borrow the Internet!
If you need access to the Internet, your Library can help. Thanks to gifts, grants, and as of 2022 budgeted funds, BPL is able to lend mobile Wi-Fi hotspot devices. If you have a library card with BPL or WCLS, you can check out a hotspot for free!
We’re lending two types of hotspot that work on two cell carriers’ networks.
- LINKZONE 2 hotspots connect to the Internet using T-Mobile’s 4G network.
- Orbic Speed hotspots connect to the Internet using Verizon’s 4G network.
To see if coverage is available where you would like to use a hotspot, check the cell network coverage maps:
They don’t work in Canada, so please don’t take them across the border!
When the hotspot is connected to the Internet, it uses its own Wi-Fi signal to share access to the Internet. Up to 10 devices (16 for LINKZONEs) such as computers, tablets, or cell phones can connect at the same time. A cell phone won’t need to use its data plan when it’s connected to the Internet using a Wi-Fi hotspot.
You may borrow a single hotspot for 3 weeks. If no one is waiting, it can be renewed up to 3 times. Only one hotspot request per patron is allowed at a time. Visit our online catalog to place a request on a LINKZONE 2 or an Orbic Speed.
Hotspots come in a case with a charger, charging cable, and an instruction card. Because of the protective case it is fine to return them in a library book drop.
Wi-Fi Hotspot FAQs
Individuals with a personal BPL or WCLS library card can borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot.
If you’re having trouble placing a request for a hotspot, Ask Us!
There is no charge to borrow and use a hotspot.
Hotspots are subject to the usual charges for lost materials. If you lose the hotspot or damage it beyond repair we will charge $50 to your library account.
You can borrow a hotspot for 3 weeks. A hotspot will automatically renew up to 3 times if there is no one else waiting to borrow one.
If the hotspot is out past its due date, it will stop giving you access to the internet within 24 hours.
You can return a hotspot at all the normal library return locations, including any Bellingham Public Library location, Campus Connection, Whatcom County Library System branch, or Community Drop Box.
- Hotspot device
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Charging brick
- Quick-guide card in English and Spanish
- Press and hold the Power Button on the top edge for about 3 seconds. If it won’t turn on, try charging the battery.
- The Wi-Fi is active and connected to the internet when the Network indicator
has at least one blue light and the Wi-Fi indicator is solid blue. - Turn the hotspot over to find the Network Name and Password on the back. In the Wi-Fi settings of your device, select the hotspot’s Network Name, and enter the Password when prompted.
has at least one blue light and the Wi-Fi indicator 
is solid blue. 
- Hotspot device
- Charging brick
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- Quick-guide card in English and Spanish
- Press and hold the Power Button on the front for about 3 seconds. If it won’t turn on, try charging the battery.
- The Wi-Fi is active and connected to the internet when the Cell Network Signal Strength indicator has at least one white bar and the Wi-Fi indicator is lit.
- Turn the hotspot over to find the Network Name and Password on the back. In the Wi-Fi settings of your device, select the hotspot’s Network Name, and enter the Password when prompted.
has at least one white bar and the Wi-Fi indicator 
is lit.
LINKZONE 2: When the battery indicator 
has a red light, you’ll need to charge the battery soon. Connect the USB cable (included) to the power supply (included) and the hotspot, and plug the power supply into an electrical socket. The battery indicator lights flash when charging.
Orbic Speed: When the battery indicator shows a red exclamation point 
you’ll need to charge the battery. Connect the USB-C cable (included) to the power supply (included) and the hotspot, and plug the power supply into an electrical socket. Charge until the battery indicator is fully white inside 
.
LINKZONE 2: see T-Mobile’s network coverage map to see where they have 4G data coverage available.
Orbic Speed: see Verizon’s network coverage map to see whey they have 4G data coverage.
The devices will not work in Canada.