Libraries offer emergency internet access
Shropshire's larger libraries are offering emergency use of computers for those without access to the internet.
The access is being offered in Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry and Shrewsbury where spaces can be managed safely with COVID-19-secure measures in place.
Sessions, limited to 45 minutes, must be booked in advance by contacting the relevant library.
Michael Lewis, Shropshire Council’s library service manager said an emergency was something that could only be done online and needed to be done urgently, cannot be done by another agency, and with consequences that could be otherwise be detrimental to a person’s health, wellbeing or personal circumstances.
“While online networks have been the saving grace for many of us under lockdown, they are not in reach for everyone. We know that nationally five million adults do not have access to the Internet and many more only have a smartphone, not a computer. The access libraries can provide will be for emergency situations where the lack of appropriate computing facilities could cause significant detriment to a person’s circumstances.”
Councillor Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said: “The safety of staff and customers remains the highest priority, which is why we are limiting this IT access to libraries that have appropriate space and adequate ventilation. Please also be aware that none of our libraries are currently open for browsing, although the Ready Reads click & collect service remains available at most branches."
