South Tyneside residents can now enjoy being better connected as free wi-fi has been installed at three of the Borough’s libraries.
Thanks to a grant from Arts Council England, free wi-fi is now available at Cleadon Park, Jarrow and Hebburn Libraries.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader with responsibility for Leisure and Culture, said: “We wanted to offer a safe and reliable way of accessing wi-fi for people living, working or studying in the Borough.
“We felt it was particularly important for those people who cannot access the internet at home. Being able to access the internet is now such an integral part of life, we did not want anyone to be locked out of the World Wide Web.”
A new app has also been developed by BT South Tyneside which allows library members full access to the library catalogue. Members will also be able to reserve items and renew their books directly from their phone as well as find out about opening times and events at their local library.
Councillor Kerr added: “We know that developing library services helps local communities. We can ensure libraries remain the core of many of our communities by providing the information and services that people need in the format that is most convenient for them.”