NOTICE: Starting September 1, 2026, our hotspots will only be available to Urbandale residents.
Stay connected while on the go! The Urbandale Public Library now offers mobile hotspot devices for checkout. Work effectively outside the home or office, watch your favorite shows while on vacation, stay on top of your email inbox, and more with these portable devices that fit in the palm of your hand.
Mobile hotspots allow you to share a wireless network connection with other devices, so you can access the internet. Devices connect to the mobile hotspot using their Wi-Fi feature.
Urbandale Public Library cardholders who are 18 years of age or older and in good standing can borrow a mobile hotspot for one week (7 days) and enjoy internet access anywhere T-Mobile provides data coverage. One hotspot can connect up to eight Wi-Fi capable devices at a time, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, desktop computers, and more.
It’s no surprise that our hotspots are popular! You will usually need to place a hold on one, and you can find them in our catalog. The Library keeps held or available mobile hotpots at the Front Desk, so you will need staff assistance to check one out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to check out a hotspot?
No, mobile hotspots are free to borrow.
Who can borrow a mobile hotspot? How many hotspots can I check out at one time?
Urbandale Public Library cardholders, 18 years of age or older, in good standing may borrow a hotspot. One hotspot may be checked out per card. (Starting September 1, 2026, our hotspots will only be available to Urbandale residents.)
How long can I borrow the hotspot?
Hotspots may be checked out for one week (7 days), with two renewals possible if no one is waiting. Mobile hotspots can be placed on hold through our online catalog.
How do I check out a hotspot?
Mobile hotspots are stored at the Front Desk, so you will need to ask for staff assistance to check one out. Each hotspot carrying case includes the device, a power cord, and two booklets.
How do I return the hotspot?
Just like books and other materials, mobile hotspots can be returned at three designated locations, including:
- Inside our lobby book return,
- Through our 24-hour drive-up book drop available at the north end of the building,
- Or on the west side of Urbandale, through our 24-hour return at Webster Elementary.
What are the fees if the hotspot is overdue or lost?
You will be assessed our normal fine of $.25 cents per day for a hotspot not returned by its due date. The Library can disable the data on any device that is overdue.
Cardholders will be charged a $50 replacement cost for a lost hotspot.
Are there limits to where the hotspots will work?
The Urbandale Public Library’s mobile hotspots will work anywhere T-Mobile has data coverage.
How do I turn on the hotspot? What if I need help using it?
Each hotspot carrying case includes a start-up booklet. Basic tutorials for the device can be found on T-Mobile's website for the T-9 and T-10. (Please note that certain settings will be inaccessible to you due to the library's service plan.)
If you need further assistance using the hotspot, please stop by or call the Library at 515-278-3945.