Beaufort County Library gets grant to expand wireless internet loan program

A pilot program administered by Beaufort County’s public schools and libraries that brings internet access to families in rural, northern Beaufort County has been awarded a $23,194 grant.

The grant, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the South Carolina State Library, will be used to help the SmartSpot Educational Broadband Program, according to a county library system news release.

The grant allows 50 middle school students and their families in the areas of Lobeco, Sheldon, St. Helena Island and Yemassee to borrow hotspot devices for the remainder of the school year.

Parents or guardians who have students in grades 6 through 12 who have no internet access at home may apply through the Beaufort County Library branches in Beaufort, Lobeco, and St. Helena Island, according to the release.

This story was originally published December 7, 2016 at 9:34 AM with the headline "Beaufort County Library gets grant to expand wireless internet loan program."