Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Laptop ConneCT Program

The Laptop ConneCT Program is a statewide initiative administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in partnership with the Connecticut State Library that complements Connecticut's broadband investments by making laptops available for loan and on-site use through participating public libraries for eligible Connecticut residents.

Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund, Laptop ConneCT helps ensure residents have the tools they need to get online and use digital services. By combining device access with library-based support, the program aims to expand digital opportunity and connect more people to education, employment, and essential resources.

How the Program Works

Participating public libraries will operate local laptop lending programs. Libraries will primarily offer long-term home loans and make laptops available for public use at the library. Devices must remain dedicated to public use through December 31, 2031.

Libraries will receive devices through a statewide allocation process designed to ensure every participating municipality receives support, while directing additional resources to communities with greater digital access needs.

Image explains that CT DEEP provides program oversight, the CT State Library supports participating libraries, the participating libraries loan the laptops and provide digital skills sessions, and eligible CT residents borrow the laptops.

Who May Receive a Laptop

To receive a laptop loan, residents must generally:

  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Have a valid library card from the same municipality as the distributing library;
  • Participate in a qualifying state or federal assistance program, such as SNAP, CEAP/LIHEAP, Medicare, or HUSKY Health; and
  • Not have access to a comparable device at home already.

An adult may receive a device on behalf of a minor in their household. Check with your local participating library for more details. Once available, a list of participating libraries will be posted.

How to Borrow a Laptop

Residents will complete two steps before receiving a device:

  1. Eligibility and intake
  2. Digital skills training and device distribution

What Is Included

Each laptop will include standard accessories such as power adapter. Additional accessories may be available on a case-by-case basis based on participant needs, including a carrying case, wired mouse and/or keyboard, headset with mic, etc.

Information for Libraries

Principal public libraries interested in participating must submit a Library Participation Request Form to the Connecticut State Library. Participation is not competitive, but libraries must confirm their capacity to manage devices, verify participant eligibility, maintain inventory controls, and collect required program data.

Image explains how laptops were allocated to each municipality. Each municipality can receive a baseline of 10 laptops, unless they are a Distressed Municipality or have an Alliance District in which case it is a baseline of 20. The remaining laptops were allocated based on American Community Survey data on device ownership.

Resources

Questions?

Libraries: Please contact Dawn LaValle at Dawn.LaValle@ct.gov.

All other inquiries can be sent to DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov.