The Dayton Memorial Library’s efforts to meet the community’s need for internet access by acquiring portable hot spots are a great example of an organization stepping up to fill a gap in access.
Most people need internet access these days for one reason or another, and that need doesn’t go away if you live in a small, rural community.
Students often need the internet to complete and submit homework, a lot of working folks need it to check emails and connect with coworkers, and many use it to communicate efficiently with their health care providers.
Not to mention, many job applications and subsequent communications take place online.
The library switched to a more affordable T-Mobile option after seeing how expensive it was to operate Verizon hot spots, showing flexibility and a willingness to try something different in order to continue providing a vital service.
The library’s decision to partner with Columbia County Public Transportation and place hot spots on buses is another example of helpful service to the community, since riders can use those hot spots to connect to the internet during their commute.
While the hot spots have their limitations and aren’t a perfect solution, they provide connectivity to those who can’t afford constant internet or travel to public locations that have Wi-Fi.
Demand was unexpectedly low in Walla Walla for this service, but that could mean that people have adequate internet access overall and it is not needed.
Frequent wait lists and high demand in Columbia County demonstrate the continuing need for this service. It is important that people return the devices on time so that others who need them can gain access in a timely manner.
Turning off the hot spots when their checkout time expires is one way to help ensure they are not being taken advantage of for longer than the allotted time.
We encourage Columbia County residents who need internet to make use of the library’s offerings.
Columbia County’s program is a model for other rural areas looking to close the gap in internet access.
Walla Walla Union-Bulletin editorials reflect the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. The opinion editor can be reached at banderson@wwub.com