Baltimore Library Offers Free Chromebooks To Eligible Families

BALTIMORE COUNTY - In an effort to close the digital divide, Baltimore County Public Library has launched a Chromebook distribution initiative aimed at families in need.

Over a series of 19 planned events from July through November, the library system plans to distribute the Chromebooks. Interested parties can check the event details and register here.

"We believe that access to technology is one key to achieving economic freedom and accessing important educational opportunities. As part of our strategic plan, we are helping close the digital divide in Baltimore County," BCPL said in a statement.

Baltimore County residents, who are 18 years or older and are beneficiaries of one or more of the following programs, may be eligible for a free laptop:

• Child qualifies for free or discounted lunches in Baltimore County Public Schools
• Recipient of Federal Housing Benefits
• Federal Pell Grant recipient
• Family income falls below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
• Medicaid beneficiary
• SNAP recipient
• SSI recipient
• Recipient of Veteran's Pension or Survivor Benefits
• WIC beneficiary

At each event, BCPL will distribute up to 50 Chromebooks. Participants will also be given guidance on setting up their new laptops and information about the Affordable Connectivity Program. This program offers eligible parties internet access at a reduced cost.

As of the publishing of this article, more than half of the giveaway events are already fully booked.

Chromebook distribution events with open spots as of noon, July 13:

• Tuesday, August 15
  • West Side Men's Shelter
  • 5 Redwood Circle, Catonsville
  • 9 a.m. to noon
  • Register
• Monday, September 11
  • Eastern Family Resource Center
  • 9150 Franklin Square Drive, Rosedale
  • 9 a.m. to noon
  • Register
• Thursday, October 5
  • Cockeysville Branch
  • 9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville
  • 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Register
• Tuesday, October 24
  • Sollers Point Branch
  • 323 Sollers Point Road, Sollers Point
  • 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Register
• Monday, October 30
  • Loch Raven Branch
  • 1046 Taylor Avenue, Towson
  • 3 to 6 p.m.
  • Register
• Wednesday, November 1
  • Parkville-Carney Branch
  • 9509 Harford Road, Parkville
  • 9 a.m. to noon
  • Register
• Sunday, November 5
  • Towson Branch
  • 320 York Road, Towson
  • 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Register
• Tuesday, November 21
  • Woodlawn Branch
  • 1811 Woodlawn Drive, Woodlawn
  • 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Register

The laptop distribution program has been made possible through a Baltimore County grant facilitated by the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development.