Published Tuesday 27 October 2015 at 12:21
Blackburn with Darwen Libraries has won funding to install free access to Wi-Fi for all visitors in each of its libraries.
The move has been funded by the Government’s Wifi in Public Libraries grant which is managed by Arts Council England.
From February next year visitors will be able to log in to the free public Wi-Fi with their smartphones, tablets and computers.
Users will be able to use the free Wi-Fi to get on line and access library services, information sites, online job and training websites as well as accessing social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Many of the council’s facilities are now online meaning visitors will have access to many services such as paying your council tax online, reporting any incidents and catching up on the boroughs latest news.
Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Young People, said:
“We know our residents value our library service, as it is used by thousands every week. We are constantly looking at new ways to improve the service for users and this is an amazing addition to what we already offer. Visitors will now be able to use their own devices to access the free Wi-Fi and this will hopefully increase the number of people who use our digital services. ‘’
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:
“Arts Council England has worked hard with its partners from the Libraries Task Force to support Local Authorities to meet the tight deadline and submit applications. It’s brilliant that as a result, over 98% of public libraries in England will be providing access to free, good quality WiFi by March 2016. I’m so pleased that this important fund is enabling libraries across England to offer more vital services to their users and encourage more people to use and enjoy their local libraries.”
For more information about the libraries digital services please visit the Council website.