The first three of 12 total solar benches have been installed at three parks and neighborhood resource centers in Wichita. According to a news release, this is an initiative by the Wichita Public Library to expand wireless access to residents.
The solar benches are located at:
- Evergreen Park, 2700 N. Woodland
- Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center, 2755 E. 19th St.
- Colvin Neighborhood Resource Center, 2820 S. Roosevelt St.
The solar benches 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 at their leisure.
“A Wichita Public Library smart solar bench gives you a place to take a load off while charging your device and connecting to free Wi-Fi,” the library’s website states. “A library card is not required to use the bench.
“A smart solar bench is also a great place to download and use e-books, e-audiobooks, and digital magazines for free with the Libby app.”
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 effort is crucial in a city where thousands of households lack home internet.
