Fun news from the Hibbing Daily Tribune…

The Hibbing and Chisholm public libraries recently broadened their capabilities offerings by adding Internet resources for patrons, thanks to a broadband grant [from the Blandin Foundation].

Hibbing Public Library received 20 wireless hot spots and a year of data for the devices this week through funds from the Blandin Foundation in cooperation with Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRRB), St. Louis County, Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce, Congressman Rick Nolan’s office and library staff.

The project has a value of nearly $10,000, according to a press release.

The goal is to close the digital divide on the Iron Range…

“The wireless hot spots are intended to decrease the digital divide in Hibbing between those who have access to Internet and those who do not,” said Lory Fedo, president of the Hibbing Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of the Hibbing Broadband Steering Committee.

She noted the devices will be available for checkout around Jan. 1, 2018, and can be used to access the internet anywhere Sprint wireless service is provided.

Putting mobile Internet devices into the hands of those who don’t have access has been identified as one of the community’s top technology priorities. This was determined through a process by the Hibbing Broadband Steering Committee and projects were created to address those priorities.