Three solar benches have been installed at a Wichita park and two neighborhood resource centers. This is part of an initiative by the Wichita Public Library to expand wireless access to residents across the city.
The benches were installed at Evergreen Park and the Atwater and Colvin neighborhood resource centers. They are equipped with free public Wi-Fi and charging ports powered by solar panels on top. Residents who need to connect to a device can use these benches.
Last month, the Wichita Public Library, in partnership with the Wichita Public Library Foundation, received a $289,000 grant from the State of Kansas ADOPT Program to install nine more solar benches in low-income areas, leveraging the Library’s extensive digital reach. This is a response to a situation where thousands of households lack home internet.
