Laura Sharman 28 July 2015

Funding boost for free WiFi in libraries

All libraries in England will be able to offer free WiFi access from March 2016, following £7.1m funding from Arts Council England.

Local authorities have been urged to apply for the new funding to ensure all public libraries can offer free WiFi access. The funding can also be used to improve WiFi provision that is below the recommended technical specifications.

Culture minister Ed Vaizey said: ‘These funding programmes are a vital part of expanding the digital offer in libraries in England. Ensuring communities across England have access to free WiFi boosts the digital economy and enables more people to take advantage of everything the internet has to offer.’

A new partnership between the Leadership for Libraries Taskforce and the Tinder Foundation has also been launched, creating a £100,000 Library Digital Inclusion Fund. Up to 15 library services will be able to bid for a share of the money to help get more people online and develop basic digital skills.

Helen Milner, chief executive for Tinder Foundation, said the new partnership will help create and share best practice on digital inclusion.

‘Libraries are perfectly positioned to provide digital inclusion support to their communities, and by running this project alongside the drive for better WiFi in libraries will mean we can have an even bigger impact,’ she said.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner