After a loss of federal dollars for loanable internet hotspots, the Flathead County Library Board of Trustees is exploring ways to save the program.

A church and a few patrons have expressed interest in donating to keep the program going, Chair Dave Ingram said at the board’s Thursday meeting. 

“[This way,] there won't be a taxpayer impact,” Ingram said, “if we can work with the various entities who have offered to support this program.”   

The hotspots, portable devices that provide wireless internet access, first became available in 2020 via a Digital Competitive Grant from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration. The Montana State Library started the hotspot program in July of that year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.    

A total of 54 counties in Montana participated in the program over the past five years and, according to the Montana State Library, 37 libraries — 54% of those currently participating — planned to continue the program after federal funds dried up on June 30.   

Drawing on the grant, the Flathead County Library had around 50 hotspots to give out to patrons. Library Director Teri Dugan said that all units were regularly checked out with a consistent wait list for use.  

At the board’s June meeting, trustees Carmen Cuthbertson and Doug Adams opposed continuing the service, saying it struck them as a form of welfare.  

Speaking during the public comment portion of the July 24 meeting, Kalispell resident Valeri McGarvey chided the board about its hotspot discussion last month.  

“A library board should be eager and excited about serving the public,” McGarvey said.  

Cuthbertson said on Thursday that the hotspots, although a good idea during the Covid-19 pandemic, are no longer useful since they can only be loaned in two-week increments and the constant waitlist means patrons cannot plan for when they will have access to them. 

“Us administering hotspots doesn’t actually work,” she said.  

But Trustee Jane Wheeler deemed the program a success, citing a full wait list and multiple comments from patrons supporting the program’s continuation.  

“It’s their decision about whether or not it’s useful for them. It’s not our decision,” Wheeler said.  

Ingram ended the discussion by saying that he would explore other funding options that have potentially become available and have more to discuss at a future meeting date.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].