MADISON COUNTY, Neb. -- Libraries in Madison County are expressing gratitude for local support even as they face potential setbacks at the federal level. The United States Senate recently passed a joint resolution to overturn an expansion of the FCC's E-Rate program, a move that could jeopardize internet access for many residents.

The overturned expansion, titled "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program," had allowed schools and libraries to use E-Rate resources to loan out WiFi hotspots to students, school staff, and library patrons without reliable home internet.

The Madison Public Library, along with others in the county, has been proactive in bridging the digital divide by offering free WiFi hotspots to the public. Library Director Naomi Hemphill emphasized the importance of these hotspots for rural residents with limited internet options.

"We use our Wi-Fi hotspots to help supplement the rural citizen who has little to no access to the Internet," Hemphill stated. "Even though we're in the middle of the United States... we were hoping for some federal subsidy to help us keep going with those."

While the federal decision looms, the Madison County Board of Commissioners has been supportive, providing funding to libraries through county tax dollars. This local support is crucial, especially with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) also facing potential budget cuts.

Despite the challenges, Hemphill said the library is not currently seeking additional funding, thanks to the county's support. However, she noted that other issues related to library and public school funding are still under consideration at the federal level. The House of Representatives has yet to vote on the resolution, leaving the future of WiFi hotspot programs and other initiatives uncertain.