Mobile Hotspots

A hotspot is a mobile device that allows access to the internet on your Wi-Fi-equipped smart phones, laptops, computers, tablets, etc. Each hotspot has its own unique user ID and password.

Free internet service is provided on T-Mobile's network anywhere a cell phone signal can be received. The signal reaches about 20 feet and up to 15 devices can be connected. The device comes with 15-20 GB of high-speed data; once this limit is reached, speeds may drop to 600 kbps.

Please note that if T-Mobile coverage is not available, the hotspot will not work effectively.

T-Mobile Coverage Map

The library already provides free Wi-Fi access inside our buildings. However, if you don’t have access to Wi-Fi at home, or if your smartphone lacks an unlimited data plan, a hotspot will bring free high-speed internet to you.

In-Library Wi-Fi Access

Hotspots are available for checkout at the library service desk.

• You need a Glendale Public Library card in good standing. Your card is considered to be in good standing if the library has a current address on file for your account and you do not have $30 or more in fees. You do not need to be a Glendale resident to obtain a free library card. 

How to Get a Library Card

• You must be at least 18 years of age, with a valid photo I.D. that shows your date of birth. The name on your photo I.D. and library card must match; you are not permitted to check out a hotspot on behalf of another person even if you have their library card with you.

• You must sign a Wi-Fi Hotspot Checkout Agreement Form. Available in English, with a Spanish version coming soon, this form acknowledges limitations and appropriate use of the device. 

Checkout Agreement Form - in English(PDF, 124KB) 

• You may check out only one hotspot per household at any given time. This rule applies regardless of how many family members have library cards.

You may place a hold on a hotspot through our online catalog. You must use the same library card to place the hold and to check out the hotspot device.

Place a Hold on a Hotspot

Hotspots check out for three weeks and cannot be renewed.

• The hotspot should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment. Please do not leave a hotspot in your car or permanent damage may result.

• The hotspot should be unplugged when it is done charging. Please do not leave it plugged in continuously. 

• Hotspots are for use in the continental U.S. only, where T-Mobile coverage is available. Devices are not equipped to roam and are not covered in Extended LTE, LTE Roaming, or Off-network Roaming areas.

• Your internet usage is not tracked by the library or the service provider. The library does not provide patron information to the service provider. The only hotspot information collected by the library is the total amount of data transmitted and received by each device during a billing cycle.

• Internet filtering is provided through CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) and borrowers are responsible for monitoring what their children/other users access via the hotspot. Visit the CIPA website for more information.

• Any use of the device for illegal purposes, unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material in any format or transmission of threatening, harassing, defamatory or obscene materials is strictly prohibited.

• The library is not responsible for any liabilities, damage or expense resulting from use or misuse of the device, connection of the device to other electronic devices or any loss of data resulting from use of device.

Please return the hotspot to the library service desk inside any one of our locations, where you will be asked to complete a brief user survey. Hotspot devices may not be returned through the book drops under any circumstances.

Internet access will be deactivated on overdue hotspots. Failure to return a hotspot to the Glendale Public Library in good working condition and free from damage, with all included parts and in the original packaging, will result in an $80 replacement fee.

Paying Fees

If you need further assistance, please call the Glendale Public Library at 623-930-3600 or email elibrarian@glendaleaz.com.