SANTEE, Calif. (KGTV) — The county is using an innovative way of getting San Diegans who do not have access to a computer opportunities to get online.
This month, they unveiled a new laptop checkout kiosk at the Santee library.
"Our computers are always busy, but these laptops really provide more flexibility and are getting more and more popular," county spokesperson Kristin Ward told 10News.
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The kiosks are free and simple to use, requiring just a scan of the person's library card and the entering of their pin number. The laptop is then released fully charged. It cannot be removed from the library premises, but can be taken anywhere in the building, allowing more privacy than using the row of desktop computer stations currently at most county libraries.
"Our desktop computers do have time limits. The laptops don't. It's one more way we can provide that service and keep people connected," Ward said.
The kiosk was purchased thanks to the Friends of Santee Library, who raised $38,000 for the machine. The county picked up the $24,000 for the laptops and maintenance.
Santee is the third library branch to get the kiosks, following Borrego Springs and Imperial Beach. The Bonita branch will have one when it reopens from a remodel this spring.
