Thousands ‘connect’ at libraries
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
HUTT CITY residents can now be more “connected” than ever thanks to a heap of new computers at the libraries.
Dubbed “Connect”, the project doubled the number of PCs in the city’s eight libraries to 166.
“Connect offers library users high-speed, unrestricted internet access, including to sites such as Bebo, Facebook and My Space,” says Libraries Manager Sandra Mann. “You can also email, create documents and browse the library collections and our picks of the web.
“It’s great value for only $2 an hour – half the price of previous computer use at the libraries.”
Library customers can also buy starter packs that contain basic tools such as headphones and USB flash drives, which have proved popular.
Connect went “live” just before Christmas, and in the first month of operation, users had more than 4000 “sessions”, with customers often filling every available PC at Moera and Taita libraries.
Sandra says Connect’s popularity indicates the project is meeting a real need in the community.
“In a time of recession, Connect is a great community asset available to everyone.”
“It’s great to be able to catch up with my friends in here again. You’ve got access to Facebook and Bebo – and it’s cheaper now, too.”
Connect user
Pictured: Three young users log on at the library to access their favourite websites.