Press Releases
10/06/2026
DEEP and CT State Library Celebrate Digital Inclusion Week, Announce Laptops Becoming Available for Loan Through Laptop ConneCT Program
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) joined the Connecticut State Library today in celebrating Digital Inclusion Week, an annual nationwide event dedicated to raising awareness about digital access and the importance of inclusion in our increasingly digital world. At the event, DEEP and the CT State Library highlighted the State’s efforts to close the digital divide, including the recently announced Laptop ConneCT program, through which laptops will be available for short- or long-term loans to qualifying individuals at participating public libraries around the state. Laptops are already available at some participating libraries, with availability expected at most locations by the end of October and at all participating locations by the end of the year.
The Laptop ConneCT Program is a partnership between DEEP’s Office of Telecommunications and Broadband, and the CT State Library. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, the approximately $7 million initiative addresses critical barriers to broadband access by providing laptops to Connecticut residents who lack access to the devices needed to effectively use high-speed internet for education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services and opportunities.
Nearly 6,000 laptops will be available for short or long-term use at 135 participating libraries (covering 138 municipalities) across the state. DEEP also plans to distribute an additional round of laptops through Laptop ConneCT before the end of the year, further expanding access to devices across Connecticut.
“Access to a reliable computer can make a significant difference in someone’s ability to pursue an education, prepare for a career, access healthcare, and other important online resources,” said Emma Cimino, Acting Commissioner of DEEP. “This program is one of many ways DEEP has been working to close the digital divide in our state, and helps residents more fully participate in today’s more digitized world, and in their communities.”
“Connecticut’s public libraries are trusted community resources that help connect residents with information, technology, and opportunity,” said State Librarian Deborah Schander. “Laptop ConneCT builds on that role by giving more people access to the technology they need for education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services. We’re proud to partner with DEEP and libraries across the state to help make that access possible.”
The laptops available through the Laptop ConneCT program are Dell Pro 16 computers with a Windows operating system. Residents seeking to borrow a laptop through a participating public library may be eligible if they:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Have a valid library card with a participating library;
- Participate in a qualifying assistance program, including SNAP, CEAP, LIHEAP, Medicare, or HUSKY Health (Medicaid/CHIP); and
- Attest that they do not already have access to a comparable computer at home.
A current list of participating public libraries and additional information about borrower eligibility is available at laptopconnect.ct.gov. Interested residents can contact their local library for further information about program participation.
Laptop ConneCT is part of Connecticut’s broader effort to ensure residents can both access and effectively use high-speed internet. In 2021, Governor Lamont signed Public Act 21-159, establishing statewide broadband goals and directing the state to identify barriers that prevent residents from accessing and using high-speed internet. That work positioned DEEP to administer two major federal broadband investments: the American Rescue Plan Act-funded Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
DEEP has committed more than $30 million through the ARPA CPF-funded ConneCTed Communities Grant Program and $6 million through BEAD to expand broadband infrastructure to thousands of homes and small businesses across Connecticut. Laptop ConneCT builds on those infrastructure investments by helping residents access the devices needed to effectively use broadband for education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services.
More information on DEEP’s Office of Telecommunications and Broadband: Office of Telecommunications and Broadband
More information on Digital Inclusion Week: Digital Inclusion Week 2026 - National Digital Inclusion Alliance- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-4100