Renfrewshire residents popping into their local library this week enjoyed a free ‘sweet treat’ as part of a Get Online Week campaign.
A cup of tea and a bite of tablet was the draw as the campaign team from Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Leisure hosted free ‘Tea and Tablet’ drop-in sessions across eight local libraries.
Library staff were on hand with tablet devices to demonstrate the ease of accessing the internet.
The initiative received further support from Sainsbury’s Braehead which donated Fairtrade tea, coffee and tablet for each session.
Councillor Mike Holmes, Depute Leader of Renfrewshire Council, dropped into Bishopton Library to watch one of the sessions.
Councillor Holmes said: “Initiatives like this really help to de-mystify the whole process of using modern, mobile technology like tablet devices to access the internet. While going online seems routine to most of us, there are still many people across our communities who aren’t part of the digital world. We want them to have the skills and confidence to use the internet – in the long run, it can save people time and money when they realise how much useful information a few clicks away.”
“Libraries are essential to this as they provide an environment many of our older residents in particular are comfortable in. Our libraries are fully equipped as local digital hubs offering free access to computers and free wi-fi, and our library staff can provide a helping hand in getting started.”
Details of free access computers and online learning across the area are available in Renfrewshire’s Digital Directory which can be picked up in all Renfrewshire libraries.