Library Holds Chromebook Giveaway to Eligible Families
June 29, 2023 | By Baltimore County Public Library
We believe that access to technology is one key to achieving economic freedom and accessing important educational opportunities. As part of our strategic plan, we are helping close the digital divide in Baltimore County. Through a grant provided by Baltimore County via the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development, we are proud to be joining other County agencies in a free Chromebook giveaway for eligible Baltimore County households. Distribution events are held at branches and community sites throughout the county between July 12 and November 21.
Those eligible should register for one of the timeslots at least 24 hours before an event. A limited number of walk-up appointments are available. If all timeslots get filled, you are encouraged to call the Digital Equity and Virtual Services (DEVS) department at 410-887-6124. All qualifying documentation needs to be provided at pickup whether scheduled or walk-in. Each appointment is roughly 15 minutes but wait times may vary at each branch. Digital Navigators are also available at each event to help customers log on to their new Chromebook, learn about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and receive resources on tech basics to get started.
Find an Event
| Date | Location | Address | Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, September 19 | Westside Men's Shelter | 5 Redwood Circle, Catonsville | 9 a.m. to noon | Register |
| Thursday, October 5 | Cockeysville Branch | 9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville | 5 to 8 p.m. | Full |
| Friday, October 13 | Essex Branch | 1110 Eastern Boulevard, Essex | 9 a.m. to noon | Register |
| Tuesday, October 24 | Sollers Point Branch | 323 Sollers Point Road, Sollers Point | 5 to 8 p.m. | Register |
| Monday, October 30 | Loch Raven Branch | 1046 Taylor Avenue, Towson | 3 to 6 p.m. | Register |
| Wednesday, November 1 | Parkville-Carney Branch | 9509 Harford Road, Parkville | 9 a.m. to noon | Event full |
| Sunday, November 5 | Towson Branch | 320 York Road, Towson | 1 to 4 p.m. | Event full |
| Tuesday, November 21 | Woodlawn Branch | 1811 Woodlawn Drive, Woodlawn | 5 to 8 p.m. | Register |
Important note: Customers must pick up their Chromebook at the location they reserved a timeslot for. The laptop is not held for missed appointments.
How to Qualify
One Chromebook may go to each household/address if the resident is 18 years old or older, a Baltimore County resident and participates in one of the following programs:
- Child receives free or reduced lunches at Baltimore County Public Schools
- Federal Housing Benefits
- Federal Pell Grant
- Income below the 200 percent Federal Poverty Level
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- SSI
- Veteran’s Pension or Survivor Benefits
- WIC
What to Bring
Customers need to bring something to verify their identity (driver’s license or other government ID), something to confirm their place of Baltimore County residence and documentation for any of the programs listed above.
If You Don’t Receive a Chromebook
We understand that demand may be higher than our supply of Chromebooks. If you don’t receive a laptop at one of our events, we encourage you to check out our long-term lending program. Qualified customers can borrow a Wi-Fi enabled Chromebook or a high-speed 5G LTE internet router, or both, for up to six months. Our Library of Things also features Chromebooks and Hotspots for a normal borrowing period of 21 days with a library card.
Category: Programming and Events