A new program launched by South Shore public libraries will help residents in remote areas connect to high-speed Internet.

The library has partnered with @NS Community Technology to provide mobile Wi-Fi hotspots on the Bell Mobility cellular network.

The devices can be signed out for a period of four weeks and provide unlimited data.

Acting Chief Librarian Jeff Mercer says this is one more way the library is there to serve the needs of the community.

“Well, we’re not unique in Nova Scotia where a lot of our area are places where people just don't have reliable Internet if they have Internet at all,” said Mercer. “We heard that and in advance of any sort of infrastructure being built we said OK this is a way we can help people out, at least in the short term, and we can make it free through the library.”

The library has 12 WiFi hotspots to loan out.

Mercer says the demand for the hotspots is already quite high.

“It’s pretty popular, so if you had a request today, I don't think you'd get it definitely in a month but hopefully not too much longer than that,” said Mercer.

Anyone wishing to sign out a hot spot must have a South Shore Public Libraries card and be over 18 years of age.

Mercer says most of the units are held at the main branch in Bridgewater however a request can be placed at any branch, including the mobile library, and they ‘ll be moved to that location for pick up.

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