For many families in Scioto County, a small black box from the library meant the difference between being connected and being completely cut off.
That program is now coming to an end.
The Scioto County Public Library (SCPL) announced it will no longer circulate mobile Wi-Fi hotspots beginning Monday, February 2, 2026, citing rising costs, reduced state funding, and a growing number of devices that were never returned.
Why the Program Was Cut
Library officials say the decision wasn’t taken lightly. Hotspot lending programs are expensive to operate, requiring both upfront hardware costs and monthly cellular data plans. Those costs have continued to rise, while state funding has gone in the opposite direction.
On top of that, the library reports that a significant number of hotspots were not returned, leaving the system paying for devices and service it could no longer use or circulate.
“When you combine higher service costs, lost equipment, and less funding, the program simply became unsustainable,” the library said in its announcement.
What Is a Library Hotspot?
A mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is a small, portable device that connects to cellular networks and creates a personal Wi-Fi signal—essentially turning cell service into home internet. Patrons could check one out and use it for:
- Online schoolwork
- Job applications
- Telehealth appointments
- Government forms and benefits
- Basic communication in areas with limited internet access
In Scioto County, where reliable broadband and cellular coverage can be spotty or nonexistent, the hotspots filled a critical gap—especially for rural households and low-income families.
A Unique Hardship in Scioto County
The loss hits especially hard here.
Large portions of Scioto County struggle with weak wireless signals, limited broadband infrastructure, and few affordable internet options. For some residents, library hotspots were the only reliable connection they had.
Social media reactions were swift and emotional.
“Literally crazy. Every time I tried to get one, they never had any. People already had them checked out and others waiting. Hard for kids in school who needed them.”
Others echoed the same concern—saying the program’s popularity shows just how badly the service was needed.
What the Library Is Offering Instead
SCPL says it is redirecting remaining hotspot funds to expand digital access in other ways:
- Internet-accessible computers remain available at all library branches
- Free Wi-Fi is available inside library buildings and in parking lots
- Additional funding will be shifted to Hoopla and Libby, expanding access to digital books, audiobooks, and media
While those options help, they don’t replace the ability to take internet access home—especially for students, seniors, or people without transportation.
The Bigger Picture
Across Ohio and the country, libraries are facing similar decisions as costs rise and funding shrinks. Hotspot programs exploded during the pandemic, exposing just how deep the digital divide runs—but many systems now say they can’t afford to keep them going without additional support.
For Scioto County residents, the end of hotspot lending is more than a budget decision. It’s a reminder that access to the internet is no longer optional, yet still far from guaranteed.
And for families who depended on that little black box to stay connected, February 2 marks the day the signal went dark.
