Number of computers in libraries set to double

Computers in council libraries set to double

The number of computers in council libraries are set to double to cope with increasing demand.

The plans were announced by Labour’s Cabinet member for communities Daalat Ali.

Councillor Ali said: “All our libraries throughout the borough are busier than ever. One problem is that we do not have enough computers for the public to use. Quite often there is a queue of people wanting to use them at most libraries.

“Labour will double the number of computers if we win re-election in the Council elections in May. It is part of our local manifesto to improve the quality of services to the public.

“With more and more people using the internet, and many services moving online, it’s important that we have enough public computers in all our libraries. Not everyone has a computer at home or access to the internet and they rely on our computers.

“That’s why it’s a priority for Labour to double the number. Providing free access to the internet today is as important as providing a free library service. We have identified the resources from our capital budget which is used to invest in major projects.

“Our libraries are not just full of books, they are the centre of the local community providing a bigger range of services each year for adults and children. From children’s clubs to IT training for silver suffers to job search help, there’s always something going on in your local library.

“We are doing all this despite Rochdale having to cut £200 million from our budgets because of the unfair reductions in our government grant. It is a major achievement to keep all our libraries open and also improve the service with extra computers.”

When the Central Library in Number One Riverside re-opens in May, after major repairs are carried out following the Boxing Day floods, there will be an extra 20 computer stations for use by the public.