As a part of the $2.3 million awarded through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds, the Georgia Public Library System has purchased over 7,000 Chromebooks and dispersed them throughout its 60 public library systems, the Thomas County Public Library System being one of those systems.  

In an effort to support recovery of the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chromebook program will assist in “replenish[ing] the connectivity and remote learning devices in our state’s public libraries, make[ing] a huge impact in the many rural areas our libraries serve,” said Vice Chancellor for Archives and Libraries and State Librarian Julie Walker.  Not only are the Chromebooks beneficial to students who may lack the access to learning technology outside of the classroom, but they greatly benefit workers and job seekers who may also lack access to such digital resources.

As of March 13th, each of the TCPLS libraries house Chromebooks available for public use.  Twenty-two (22) Chromebooks are available at the main Thomasville branch and at each of the outlying libraries, in Boston, Coolidge, Ochlocknee, Meigs and Pavo, between four (4) and five (5).

The Chromebooks check out to any patron with a valid PINES library card who is at least 18 years or older (unless a parent or guardian is present to authorize the check-out).  Each Chromebook comes equipped with ChomeOS, which includes all the applications within Google Workspace, including word processing, presentation building, spreadsheets and email.  Each Chromebook has a loan period of two (2) weeks.  Though they are not renewable, another Chromebook may be checked out if available when the first is returned.

In tandem with the availability of Chromebooks, the Thomasville headquarters also has five (5) hotspots available for public use.  The hotspots follow the same borrowing policy as the Chromebooks and assist in providing additional digital connectivity to those in the community who are without.

“We are looking forward to an amazing response from our patrons,” says Circulation Manager, Joanita Cook.  “The hotspots have been checking out since day one!”