Veterans need assistance to transition from military to civilian life and employment. Military members are trained in very duty-specific skills and behaviors. Broward County recognizes that libraries are uniquely positioned to provide tools to assist with the translation/transition of their skills and knowledge. Specifically, veterans can benefit greatly from job coaching, resume help and other employment-related resources that Broward County Library offers online. The hotspots connect them to the physical and digital library 24/7.

The key element is the targeted focus of library resources to the military community through distribution of 450 free, portable hotspots that provide free Internet connectivity as a vital link to library digital resources. Through this program, Broward County Library offers meaningful services and opportunities for the military community to demonstrate leadership skills at the library. Delivering services that assist in the development of veterans’ employment skills creates relationships that benefit the library and community.

The anticipated impact of the "Veterans Connect Hotspot Program" is to solidify the library’s role as a center for self-development and to create an enduring bond between the library, members of the military community and service providers including the VFW and American Legion. The program will encourage broad use of the library’s resources, provide avenues for service-oriented veterans to continue to serve the community and smooth the way for the transition to civilian life/employment.