In order to help people connect with the digital world, the Hoyt Lakes Public Library offers laptops and Chromebooks for checkout. These laptops/Chromebooks, with wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi not included), provide access to online resources, applications, and on the laptops the Microsoft Office suite of programs. The following policies govern the use of laptops/Chromebooks, please read carefully to understand expectations and responsibilities before checking out a laptop/Chromebook:

Borrowing Procedures:

• Laptops/Chromebooks can be checked out by patrons with an active library card in good standing. Patrons must show their library card or photo ID each time at checkout. All delinquencies must be cleared before a patron is eligible to borrow a laptop/Chromebook.
• The check out loan period is for 7 days. Laptops/Chromebooks may be renewed one time as long as there is not a wait list.
• Laptops/Chromebooks are not available for check out other than at the Hoyt Lakes Public Library. They must be returned to a staff member at the Hoyt Lakes Public Library. Borrowers should be prepared for a brief wait while staff verifies that all items have been returned in working order.
• Only one laptop/Chromebook at a time may be checked out per library card.
• Borrowers must read and sign a Checkout & Usage Agreement for Wireless Laptops/Chromebooks (one time only) to be eligible to check out laptops/Chromebooks. Borrowers’ library cards will be marked to identify those who have signed the agreement.

Usage and Responsibilities:

• Laptops/Chromebooks should not be left unattended.
• Laptops/Chromebooks are available on a first come, first served basis. Holds may be placed on laptops/Chromebooks.
• Borrowers are not to place food or beverages near laptops/Chromebooks.
• Files can be saved to a flash drive or e-mailed. Personal software may not be loaded on laptops/Chromebooks nor may any files be saved to the hard drive.
• Do not duplicate, remove, or install any software or applications on the laptops/Chromebooks. Do not tamper with the equipment or modify the operating system. Bypassing security functions is strictly prohibited.
• Printing to the Library’s wireless printer is permitted, and may be subject to a fee of 25 cents per page.
• Modified, damaged or lost laptops/Chromebooks and accessories are the responsibility of the borrower. All costs up to $1,000.00 for any damage or replacement will be assigned to the borrower.
• A borrower’s privilege to check out a laptop/Chromebook may be suspended if the borrower fails to return the loaned equipment on time. Laptops/Chromebooks not returned within two days of their due date will be considered lost.
• Borrower is responsible for verifying the current physical condition of the laptop/Chromebook at checkout. Please report and damage, non-working laptops/Chromebooks immediately.
• The laptops/Chromebooks may not be used to engage in illegal activities.
• The Hoyt Lakes Public Library Internet Use Policy applies to laptop/Chromebook checkouts.

Disclaimer:

·       The Library is not responsible for damage to any removable drive (e.g. USB drive, external hard drive, SD card) or loss of data that may occur due to malfunctioning hardware or software. All laptops/Chromebooks will be wiped clean after the item is returned and checked in (including deleting browser history).

·       The Library is not responsible for any computer viruses that may be transferred to or from used storage devices. The Library does not assume responsibility for lost or corrupted files for any reason or for any damage to users’ personal devices, software, files, personal cloud-based accounts, and/or equipment.

·       All information left on the laptop/Chromebook will be deemed public information, and will not be protected by any laws protecting any private information.

Approved by:

Hoyt Lakes Public Library Board of Trustees

May 18, 2010

Revised and approved by:

Hoyt Lakes Public Library Board of Trustees

July 15, 2025