BROWARD COUNTY, FL -  The Broward County Library (BCL) Workforce Ready program will lend 14” Chromebook laptops and Internet hotspots at no charge to qualifying residents in an effort to bridge the digital divide in Broward communities and support digital equity among job applicants.

BCL customers impacted by the economic downturn and job loss as a result of COVID-19 can check out a 14" Chromebook and Wi-Fi enabled hotspot to prepare resumes, job search, engage in online interviews and attend educational webinars to enhance their employability.

The BCL Workforce Ready Program is available at five (5) library locations. Eligible customers must have a valid Broward County Library card in good standing, be 18 years of age or older, provide proof of residency in one of the six qualifying Broward zip codes (33069, 33023, 33309, 33311, 33313 or 33319), and complete the borrower application. Participating branches include Carver Ranches Branch Library, Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library, Lauderhill Central Park Branch Library, Lauderdale Lakes Branch Library and Tyrone Bryant Branch Library.

Only one device per household is allowed for a checkout period of 30 days with one renewal, for a total of 60 days. Borrowers must also sign a statement of financial responsibility for the items, view safety tutorial videos, complete a feedback survey and guarantee good care of the devices.

For additional information, contact Roslyn Dean, Ed.D, Community Engagement Manager for Broward County Libraries at RDEAN@broward.org or 954-357-7496. Support for this program is provided by grants from Internet Essentials from Comcast and the Broward Public Library Foundation.  

About Broward County Libraries Division
Broward County Libraries Division, named 2020 and 2015 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association, was founded in 1974 and is the largest library system in Florida by square footage and one of the busiest, with more than 7.5 million walk-in customers visiting its 38 locations annually. Broward County Libraries Division provides convenient access to a full range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing needs of the people of Broward County for information, education and recreation. Visit our website, Broward.org/Library, or follow Libraries on Facebook and Twitter.

DATE: March 5, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Catherine McElrath
Libraries Division
PHONE: 954-357-7402
EMAIL: cmcelrath@Broward.org