Stone residents are being encouraged to join the digital world and get online for the first time at their local library.
Get Online Week runs from 17th to 23rd October, with events taking place in communities all across the county, showing people how the internet can make life easier, cheaper, and more fun.
Backed by Staffordshire County Council’s Library Service, the 2016 campaign is the tenth Get Online Week, and in the last decade the campaign has helped almost 300,000 people discover the benefits of getting online.
Staff and volunteers at Staffordshire libraries will be on hand during the week, giving advice on the services and activities available and offering support with getting online and using the internet.
Gill Heath, cabinet member responsible for libraries at Staffordshire County Council, said:
Getting online and being able to use a computer and tablet is an important skill these days and can help with lots of everyday tasks.
The thought of using the internet for many older people can be really daunting but our library staff, IT Buddies and volunteers are always standing by to show people how. Get Online Week is a great opportunity to take those first steps and once you’ve had a go you won’t look back.
Staffordshire’s libraries have much more than just books these days. With public computers, free Wi-Fi and a fantastic eBooks service, there’s never been a better time to get online at your local library.”
66-year-old Doug Bickley is a Staffordshire Library IT Buddy who will be helping people get online during the week.
Doug said:
When I retired I knew that I would still want to interact with people, and using some of my new found spare time in the community seemed an ideal solution. Being an IT Buddy and volunteering at the library is very easy, the environment is friendly and relaxing for volunteers – and it doesn’t have to take over your life, you can do as much or as little as you want. I hope that using some of my skills to help others will keep my brain active and make at least a small contribution to the community.”
For further details on Staffordshire’s libraries visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries
For further details on Get Online Week visit: https://www.getonlineweek.com/
