New computers for Hackney libraries
By the New Year 265 new computers will be available for people to do their homework or surf the internet in Hackney’s eight libraries.
PC’s with bigger screens and faster internet speeds are being installed as part of a £400,000 programme to improve IT. Around nine per cent of Hackney residents have never used the internet and the new computers will give them an opportunity to get online. Hackney libraries staff will be on hand to offer some basic training that includes getting online and setting up an email account.
The installation starts and upgrade will be complete by the New Year. Stamford Hill Library will close from Monday 16 November re-opening on Wednesday 25 November. Clapton Library will close on 25 November and re-open on 29 November and Homerton Library will close on 30 November and re-open on 8 December. All other libraries will get new computers without closing.
Libraries are a valuable community resource and the computers are vital for those who might not have a PC at home. We do understand that closing some of the libraries for a short time might cause some inconvenience, but we hope that you will bear with us while we improve the IT in our libraries.
During this time, customers can collect reservations from another library and if they are unable to visit a library in person, can renew library stock by calling the renewals line on 0208 356 2539.
Some of the PCs will be used by other Council staff and the unusable PCs will be ethically disposed of.