Nottingham City Libraries and Information Service and partners Digital Unite will be running a series of fun and informative activities aimed at to supporting people to gain confidence and develop their digital skills.
The week long programme called Spring Online Week, takes place in libraries across Nottingham City from 20 to 26 April 2015. It aims to give new internet users the knowledge and confidence to explore the technology for themselves. The programme will make it possible for thousands of people, often older people, to try out computers, tablets and the internet, for the very first time.
Spring Online Week is an award-winning national campaign run by Digital Unite which offers digital learning opportunities to people who don’t have much experience of using the internet or electronic mail.
The sessions are part of the Libraries and Information Service’s ongoing commitment to provide people with access to IT learning and enable them to make more use of the wi-fi and computer facilities available in their local library.
The sessions which will be on an informal drop-in basis are aimed at older people who may be thinking about buying a mobile internet device or may have one they don’t feel confident using. People are encouraged to come along and use the laptop and tablet computers available in the library. Library staff will be on hand throughout to give advice and reassurance to new internet users whether they would like to research a subject, do their online banking, book a holiday, shop online or set up an email address to keep in contact with family members.
Head of Libraries and Culture Nigel Hawkins said “Nottingham City Libraries and Information Service are committed to increasing access to digital equipment and resources and by installing free Wi-Fi networks in our main libraries we are enabling new users to get online easily and safely. In an age where access to the internet is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury and lack of access can be a cause of social inequality and loneliness, the Libraries and Information Service has a key role to play in making the digital world as accessible as possible.”
Nottingham City Libraries are running events in five libraries during Spring Online week and are inviting new learners, whatever their age, to come and have a go on a tablet, laptop or iPad even if it is just for 10 minutes.
Drop-in anytime between 10.30am – 12.30pm at the following Libraries:
Central Library Monday 20 April
Sherwood Library Tuesday 21 April
Bulwell Riverside Library 22 April
Southglade Park Library 23 April
Meadows Library 24 April
For more details telephone Nottingham Central Library on 0115 91 52858 or visit the Computer Learning in Libraries webpage.