How to get internet, a phone or a computer for less in AtlantaA short guide: who to call first and what to expect.
For free internet today, go to a library. Every branch has free Wi-Fi and computers, and staff can help you print, scan or fill out a form online. A library card is free. Ask your Fulton County Library System branch whether it lends Wi-Fi hotspots or laptops to take home.
For a phone, Lifeline is a federal program that takes $9.25 a month off a phone or internet bill if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or a housing voucher. Companies such as Assurance Wireless use it to give a free phone plan. Each household can have only one Lifeline benefit. Sign up through one of the companies or at lifelinesupport.org.
For home internet, ask the internet company for its low-income plan. Comcast, AT&T and Spectrum each have one, usually $15 to $30 a month, for homes that get SNAP, Medicaid or free school lunch. The federal discount called ACP ended in 2024, so these plans are what is left.
For a computer,PCs for People, 404-369-7040, sells used, repaired computers at low prices to people with low income, and has low-cost internet too.
To learn, libraries and Inspiredu teach free classes that start from turning the computer on. Inspiredu also has open lab hours with free Wi-Fi and help. Cyber-Seniors, 844-217-3057, gives older adults free help by phone. See digital skills.
For a job in tech,Per Scholas Atlanta trains people for entry-level tech jobs at no cost.
This is the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch of the Fulton County Library System, near the King historic district in Atlanta. You can borrow materials, use a computer lab, and go to free-time programs for kids, teens, adults and seniors.
Inspiredu is an Atlanta nonprofit that helps families and adults in Georgia learn computer and internet skills. It runs workshops for families and adults, a youth STEM careers program, and open lab hours at its Atlanta training center. Families who attend a Family Learning workshop can get a free laptop.
Integrity Transformations Community Development Corporation (Integrity CDC) is a nonprofit in the Capitol View neighborhood of southwest Atlanta that has helped job seekers since 1995. It offers job readiness classes, a beginner computer skills class, and help finding jobs or job training, and it welcomes people with criminal records. It also has a computer lab people can walk in and use.
Dogwood Library is a neighborhood branch of the Fulton County Library System at 1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW. It has a computer lab, study rooms, meeting rooms, and a book return that works after hours. Staff help with research questions, and the branch hosts classes and events for adults, teens, and children.
The Central Library is a public library at One Margaret Mitchell Square in Atlanta. It is part of the Fulton County Library System. You can get a library card, use free computers and WiFi, and take the GED test here. The library system's social services team can also connect you with housing, benefits and other help.
East Point Library is a branch of the Fulton County Library System on Main Street in downtown East Point. It has books, computers, WiFi, study rooms, a meeting room, and a children's area. It also holds kids' storytimes and other programs.
Northwest Library at Scotts Crossing is a branch of the Fulton County Library System. It has a computer lab, study rooms, meeting rooms and a place to return books after hours. It also holds programs such as storytime and a book club.
Gresham Library is a branch of the DeKalb County Public Library at 2418 Gresham Road SE. You can borrow books, audiobooks, DVDs, Chromebooks and wireless hotspots, use public computers and WiFi, and ask a librarian for help. It also has a meeting room and a youth services area.
Brookhaven Library is a branch of the DeKalb County Public Library. You can borrow books, movies and music, use computers and WiFi, get help from a librarian, and register to vote there. A new, larger building is being planned.
Covington Library is a branch of the DeKalb County Public Library in Decatur. You can borrow books, movies, music, Chromebooks and wireless hotspots, use computers and WiFi, and get help from a reference librarian. It also has a meeting room and a youth area.
Flat Shoals Library is a branch of the DeKalb County Public Library. You can borrow books, movies, and music, use computers and WiFi, and ask a librarian for help. It also offers a meeting room, voter registration, and a book sale.
Fulton County Senior Services is the county department for older adults. It runs neighborhood senior centers and four larger multipurpose senior facilities. They offer meals, classes, fitness and activities.
The Hapeville Library is a branch of the Fulton County Library System at 525 King Arnold Street. It has a computer lab, a tablet station, meeting and study rooms, and events like book club, yoga and homework help. The system's Social Services team can give referrals and help with public benefit applications.
The Evelyn G. Lowery Library at Cascade is a Fulton County library branch in Southwest Atlanta. It has a computer lab, a tablet station, meeting rooms, study rooms and books for all ages. The library system's social services team can point you to longer-term help with things like benefits, housing, jobs and ID.
The Latin American Association helps Latino families and immigrants. At its Atlanta office on Buford Highway, staff help with food and basic needs, rent and utility bills, immigration legal services, classes, jobs, and youth programs. Services are by appointment, so call first.
This is the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Georgia's talking book and braille library, part of the National Library Service network. It lends audiobooks, braille books and special players for free to people who are blind, have low vision, have a reading disability like dyslexia, or cannot hold a book or turn pages. Books come by mail with free return postage, and the Atlanta library also takes walk-in visitors.
The Fulton County Library System runs 34 public library branches. Its Social Services team gives short-term help and connects people to more than 30 community partners for things like benefits, housing, jobs and legal help. Branches also offer free computers, library cards, research help and learning resources.
The East Atlanta Library is a branch of the Fulton County Library System at 400 Flat Shoals Ave. SE. It has a computer lab, study rooms, meeting rooms, and storytimes and other events. The library system's Social Services team can also help patrons find community support.
The Buckhead Library is a branch of the Fulton County Library System at 269 Buckhead Ave. NE. You can borrow books and media, use free public computers, printing and copies, and book meeting and study rooms. It also has a teen center and classes. The system's Social Services team helps people find referrals and apply for benefits.
Evolution Arts Inc is an Atlanta-area group that teaches technology, money skills and the arts to underserved communities. It runs coding, dance and fitness, and career programs, plus a paid summer tech apprenticeship for Fulton County youth ages 16 to 24. It also holds community events such as dance nights, wellness sessions and a roller skating night.