RESOURCES
Though we cannot be with you in the library teaching classes due to COVID-19, here are some low-cost/free options for internet, computers, online digital literacy, and more. Looking forward to offering in-person digital literacy classes again as soon as it is safe!
Voter Registration and Mail-In Ballot Information
Low-Cost Internet Options
Public Wifi Locations:
- A map and searchable list of public Wi-Fi access locations that have been reported to the Broadband Infrastructure Office.
Home Services:
Broadband Now
Guide for helping to find low cost options for internet, covers several options with comparisons between providers, and provides links for subsidies and other affordable internet.
Spectrum Internet Assist
Call 1-844-488-8395 or visit their website
Service details
- $14.99/month with free Internet modem, no contacts
- Broadband program delivering speeds of 30 Mbps, no data caps
- Optional in-home WiFi service at $5/month
Requirements:
- One or more members of your household must be a recipient of one of the following assistance programs: National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP, Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65+ only)
Access from AT&T
Call 1-855-220-5211 or visit their website
Service details:
- $5 to $10/month with modem, no contract, no deposit
- Service available and speed may vary be address: 768 Kbps – 20 Mbps, data limits do apply
- Access to AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network included
Requirements:
- At least one household resident must participate in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), National School Lunch Program, or Head Start
- OR income-based qualifications for household with an income 135% or less than federal poverty guidelines (proof of income required)
- Participants must be without outstanding debt for AT&T fixed internet service within the last six months or outstanding debt incurred under this program
PCs for People Mobile Hotspots
Call (651) 354-2552 or visit their website
Service details:
- High speed unlimited 4G LTE service starting at $15/month
- $80 for Mobile hotspot
Requirements:
- Income-based qualifications for household with an income 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines OR be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program
- A photo ID
- Eligibility proof documentation, like a tax return, with the recipient’s name
Low-Cost Computer Options
Kramden Institute, Durham, NC
Call (919) 293-1133 or visit their website
- Provides free or low-cost devices to students, low-income adults, and nonprofits
Requirements:
- Adults: income-based qualifications with an income 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines OR be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program; photo ID and proof of eligibility
- School-Aged Children: must be a student in grade K-12 and not have access to a working home computer
PCs for People
Call (651) 354-2552 or visit their website
- Refurbished desktops and laptops ranging from $0 to $150
Requirements:
- Income-based qualifications for household with an income 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines OR be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program
- A photo ID
- Eligibility proof documentation, like a tax return, with the recipient’s name
Free Digital Literacy Online
- Short courses on computer basics, security, job skills, and more in English and Spanish.
- Video and written tutorials on computer software, hardware, job skills, languages and more in English and Spanish.
Durham Literacy Center: call (919) 489-8383 or visit their website for more information
- The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program provides free English classes for adult learners (online via Zoom for fall)
COVID-19 Resources
To reach the NC Department of Health and Human Services for information on food access, shelter, child care and more:
- Call 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162
- Text COVID-19 to 898211
Durham County
- Durham County COVID-19 hotline: Call (919) 635-8150
- Durham County resources
- Durham Literacy Center COVID-19 resource list
Orange County
Voter Registration and Mail-In Ballot Information
North Carolina Absentee Ballot Request form
Durham County
- Board of Elections: Call (919) 560-0700
- Voter registration information
- Absentee ballot information
Orange County
- Board of Elections: Call (919) 245-2350
- Voter registration information
- Absentee ballot information
Last Updated: September 2, 2020
We will update this page periodically with new resources or if services or requirements change.
