People across Leicester are being urged to be more computer-friendly and use the internet as Get Online Week sees Leicestershire libraries offer a helping hand.
A national Get Online Week began on Monday, October 13 and events have been scheduled across Leicestershire with local libraries getting behind the scheme.
Librarian Jerry Daniel, of Leicester Central Library, said: “It’s about getting people to come in and use our free computers.
“We want to give them a starter and try to boost our figures.”
The campaign is now in its eighth year and aims to help over 50,000 people give the internet a go as well as focusing on the benefits of getting online, including keeping in touch, finding work, saving money, staying healthy, following hobbies and having fun.
Julie Thomas, a senior library assistant at New Parks Library Leicester, said: “We run ‘Go Online’ and it provides basic online information for people who have never used a computer before.
“The sessions are aimed to encourage people to get online, including information on using the mouse and keyboard, as well as internet safety.”
Yesterday saw Beaumont Leys Library show Leicestershire residents how to scan pictures, documents and also attach them to an email.
Today, Leicester Central Library are teaching the basics of how to use Microsoft Word and New Parks Library is hosting a free drop-in session aimed at the needs of the individual and will cover many areas.
The official week finishes on Sunday, October 19 and there are many events that beginners can attend across Leicestershire.
For more information on what Leicester libraries have to offer visit leicester.gov.uk/libraries.
Sam Morris
