From Monday 4 July, library members will be able to enjoy unlimited computer use – all for free.
Not only that, free, fast Wi-Fi will be available to anyone visiting a Nottingham City library so people can easily stay in touch when they’re out and about.
As more services go online and the UK goes ‘digital by default,’ Nottingham City Libraries are investing in ways that people can access library services and where they can easily and quickly deal with their information needs. This news will mean that anyone visiting libraries in Nottingham will be able to use the internet more easily. People will be able to use their own devices (laptop, smartphone or tablet) as well as library computers. Households which do not have internet access at home will now be able to share the benefits of being online through local libraries.
Library members will be able to enjoy free computer use, with unlimited usage per week and an extended two hours booking availability. There are a couple of restrictions to ensure everyone has equal access: after 3pm bookings are limited to one hour sessions and six future bookings can be created at any one time up to 15 days in advance. Visitors can continue to use library computers for a small charge.
Free Wi-Fi is already available in Nottingham City libraries to library members. Further Arts Council England funding of £96,600 has enabled the Wi-Fi service in libraries to be improved. Part of this funding has been used to extend the Wi-Fi offer and implement The Cloud Wi-Fi to enable all library visitors to access the internet for free using their own devices. All people will have to do is use the new self-enrolment registration to create their own Wi-Fi account to then use the internet any time they enter a city library for up to three hours per day.
Being digitally enabled can make a significant difference to individuals, making the difference to finding a job, maintaining contact with family and friends, saving money and being able to access key public services including Universal Credit, health care and education. Improving digital literacy continues to be an important library service in helping to reduce digital exclusion. The council’s digital learning programme for the public provides basic learning skills for new learners, enabling people to build their confidence in the digital world.
Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “With the increased option of affordable smartphones and tablets, public libraries are at the forefront of developing digital literacy skills to enable people to use their devices effectively and to enable them to learn, study and to connect with others in safe and accessible places.
“We are committed to improving our library services where we can and I am pleased that we have been able to do this by providing free Wi-Fi access for all and free computer use to library members, keeping libraries highly relevant for the future.”
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For more information contact Jane Barton, Communication and Marketing Officer, jane.barton@nottinghamcity.gov.uk 0115 8761222