Library gives free net access

Library gives free net access

Wrexham library users can now surf for free

Library users can get free internet access and check their emails when they return their books to libraries in Wrexham.

A multi-million pound scheme to provide free internet access for library users was launched officially on Friday.

The 'People's Network' is a Government initiative funded by the National Lottery's New Opportunuities Fund.

Hundreds of new computers with broadband internet access are being installed in 11 libraries throughout Wrexham.

Broadband

Alan Watkin from Wrexham council said there had been a lot of support for the project.

People will have email access, internet acess and word processing all for free - everyone will benefit

Alan Watkin, Wrexham council

"The People's Network is a significant opportunity to enhance the services available at local libraries by providing free broadband access to the web," he said.

"There has always been a significant increase in the numbers of people using our libraries where computers and internet access have been installed."

Wrexham community librarian Hedd ap Emlyn said there were more than 5,000 visitors who used the library every week and they would directly benefit from the scheme.

Communities

"In Wrexham library alone we'll be installing in the region of 32 PCs," he said.

Some people don't have computers because they're so expensive to buy - this is a good thing

Stuart Thomas, Wrexham

"In total Wrexham libraries will have around 130 computers.

"People will have email access, internet acess and word processing all for free.

"Everyone in communities throughout Wrexham will benefit from the scheme."

The computers will be installed within the next few weeks.

Wrexham householder Sadie Jones said: "I think computers are so expensive to buy that to have internet for free in a public library is a great idea.

"I could bring my grandchildren here to use them."

Stuart Thomas, 27, added: "It's a good thing - it provides a good service to people of all ages.

"Some people don't have computers because they're so expensive to buy," he said.