Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is giving away 20,000 free laptops - applications open January 19

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s MeckTech Computer Kit Program distributes free laptops to Mecklenburg County adults without a home computer.

Each kit includes a refurbished laptop optimized for accessing the internet, joining virtual meetings, creating documents, and more.

MeckTech applications opens on January 19th, 2023, for distribution.

Through the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will be issuing 20,000 refurbished laptops to eligible adults in Mecklenburg County. Each laptop is free and includes a preloaded productivity and education applications as well as all necessary hardware needed for set-up.

Applications will open on January 18th, 2023. Please check here to see a registration link (when registration opens.)

Applicants Must:

Be 18 years or older
Be a Mecklenburg County resident
Have an active email address (all communication will be done via email)
Understand that MeckTech devices are provided as-is with open-source software only and do not come with dedicated technical support
Have a photo ID with a corresponding identification number (such as a driver’s license or state ID, employee ID, passport, student ID, tribal enrollment card, etc.)
Provide proof of Mecklenburg County address (PO Boxes will not be accepted)
Sign a statement attesting that they would not otherwise have the technology necessary to meet their educational/informational needs

After applying, approved applicants will receive a confirmation email 7-10 business days after submission. Ineligible, duplicate, or unapproved applications will not receive a reply.

Approved applicants will then sign up for a distribution date and time through the confirmation email. Computer distributions will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis within the date and time options available. We hope to serve as many members of our community as possible, but we have limited supply and unfortunately cannot guarantee that we will be able to fulfill all needs.

Please note that Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is unable to provide technical support or replacements for issued devices.

If you are ineligible for the MeckTech program, Mecklenburg County residents can call 311 and press any key to ask to speak to a Digital Navigator, who will help you identify other options for getting affordable technology.

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Double-Check Before You Head Out!

We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.

However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.

Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.

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