LIBRARIES and One Stop Shops across Cornwall, including ones in Launceston, Bude and Camelford, are now benefitting from free WiFi connections, which are available to the public.

Twenty-six of Cornwall Council’s libraries are now offering users a free WiFi connection so they are able to log on to the internet from their own tablets, phones or laptops.

Mark Read, Cornwall Council service director for customer access and digital services, said: “The introduction of free WiFi, which allows people to access the internet through their phone or other device whilst in the library, provides a great opportunity for people to have free instant, easy access to council services online.

“The introduction of free WiFi in libraries is yet another way in which we are improving access to council services and helping our residents get online.”

For anyone visiting either the Launceston, Bude or Camelford libraries who doesn’t know how to get online, a free sign-up, four-week computer course for beginners is available.

Learners are able to bring their own devices if they wish or are able to use one of the libraries’ computers.

So far the council’s libraries have helped support around 550 people each year get online.

Before the free WiFi systems were installed, people wanting to get onto one of the libraries’ free courses would have either had to wait for a place or be transferred to another library.

With the installation of the free WiFi system the library will be able to increase the number of people on the courses, as the public are able to use their own devices.

Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities, said: “Cornwall Council welcomes the introduction of WiFi to all of our libraries and we hope everyone finds it useful.“

For more information visit the council’s website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries