Dales libraries extend free computer access

North Yorkshire County Council’s library members are being encouraged to take advantage of longer computer sessions free of charge.

From today(September 6), customers will be able to use the computers for up to an hour a day, and anyone who needs additional time can pay a small fee or choose from a range of subscriptions to have a longer session.

This will give people the opportunity to browse the Internet, check emails, complete online learning and use free resources available to library members including Ancestry and Find My Past.

There are over 300 computers available in North Yorkshire libraries, all with webcams, touchscreens, printing capabilities and a wide range of software.

County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “During the pandemic we recognised that access to IT was vital and made the computers available for essential use while many other facilities were closed.

“Many people have come to rely on libraries to get online and the extension of the free access from half an hour a day to one hour reflects this.”

Anyone filling in complex forms, such as job applications, will still be able to request additional time free of charge. Some libraries are now re-introducing computer support sessions; please ask at your local library for more details.

Please see the library opening days and times.