People’s Network comes to Southwark libraries

The People's Network is a nation-wide scheme which aims to give everyone in the UK the opportunity to use computers, have access to the internet and other learning resources. In Southwark this scheme has meant there are now 150 PCs available in libraries across the borough, bringing free access to young and old.

The event at John Harvard Library in Borough High Street included family Internet taster sessions with library staff introducing parents and children to surfing the internet.

Adrian Olsen, Southwark's Head of Libraries and Lifelong Learning, said: "This scheme is about reducing the gap between the information rich and the information poor. For those who cannot afford the latest technology, it opens up a whole new world of opportunities, access to learning, information and on-line government services.

"Libraries have always been a prime source of information, culture and learning for their local communities and this programme will enable them to take a big leap forward to be at the leading edge of technology."

In other libraries across the borough, staff have already run internet taster sessions for those people who are apprehensive about going on-line. People have discovered for the first time how to surf the net and e-mail their children and grandchildren, a service which has proved very popular with the "silver surfer" generation.

If you would like to find out more information about this free service, please telephone the Library Line on 020 7525 3719 or call your local library directly to book a PC.