Solar Benches Offer Device Charging, Wi-Fi At Delco Libraries

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — The public can now charge their devices for free outside a handful of Delaware County libraries thanks to new solar-powered USB charging benches.

Eleven Delaware County libraries now have one or more solar charging benches, giving library patrons a place to read a book, do homework or study, and enjoy the outdoors while powering up their laptop, phone, or tablet.

The new solar-powered benches allow residents to charge their mobile devices while sitting outside a library, providing a perfect complement to the already existing ability of residents to access the internet with outdoor Wi-Fi access.

The benches were made possible as a result of a collaborative effort by the Swarthmore Public Library, Delaware County Libraries, and State Senator Tim Kearney to secure a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Program.

"We are thrilled to have received this grant to provide solar charging stations to our libraries," said Catherine Bittle, Director of Delaware County Libraries. "These charging stations will be a great addition to the services that our libraries already offer, including free Wi-Fi, hotspots, and computer access."

For information about library services available to all county residents, visit the Delaware County Library System website here.