Free WI-FI Now Available At The Library

IT’S now easier than ever to get online for free after Rochdale Borough Council announced it has installed Wi-Fi in libraries across the area.

People will now be able to access the web from any of their mobile IT devices like SmartPhones, laptops and tablets, and partner organisations will be able to use the Wi-Fi to deliver advice, skills and learning sessions to residents.

Library users can also access the internet for free using computer terminals in the borough’s libraries.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Customer Services, said: “This is great news for the people of the borough as we want libraries throughout the area to offer a welcoming environment where residents can get online for free. We also offer computers with IT access and help for people trying to access council services online so it is now easier than ever to let us know what you think of our services and how we can help you.”

Previously the only library with free Wi-Fi available was Rochdale Central Library but now free Wi-Fi is available in all townships.

Heywood:

Darnhill Library;
Heywood Library.

Middleton:

• Middleton Library;
  
• Alkrington Library;
  
• Langley Library.
  

Rochdale:

• Spotland Library;
  
• Balderstone Library;
  
• Castleton Library.
  

Pennines:

• Smallbridge Library;
  
• Littleborough Library;
  
• Milnrow Library.
  

The free Wi-Fi access forms part of a package of essential support available for residents throughout the borough’s libraries to help develop their digital skills and enable residents to access public services online.

Every library offers free Internet access and 12 libraries now have IT support volunteers, who aim to improve people’s IT confidence, and offer support with sites such as UniversalJobMatch, Benefits Online and the Rochdale Borough Council website.

The library service has also developed an exciting new partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, jointly running IT sessions in libraries to help jobseekers improve their IT skills and employability, and assisting them with the UniversalJobMatch site.

So far in 2013-2014 we have achieved the following:

• 20 volunteers have been recruited;
  
• 10 Libraries have been offering sessions supported by IT Volunteers;
  
• 464 people have been supported;
  
• 119 Online Basics Courses have been completed;
  
• 60 Online Plus Courses have been completed
  
• 289 other courses have been completed.
  

There are now also more things than ever that you can report or apply for via the council website without the need to pick up the phone or visit the council offices - saving the council and residents both time and money.

To find out more about Rochdale Borough Council’s services visit www.rochdale.gov.uk

For information about setting up an email account or joining a course at your local library that will help you to get online, visit: www.rochdale.gov.uk/libraries or ring 0300 303 8876.