On your doorstep and online… it’s time to get ‘connected’ at your local library

An innovative new campaign has been launched to highlight the wide variety of different services on offer at libraries in East Sussex.

The East Sussex County Council campaign, which includes poster advertising, leaflet drops and promotion through social media, is aimed at demonstrating the authority’s library service has ‘something for everyone’, whether they visit their local library or access services online.

To allow people to get ‘connected’, free computer and Internet access is on offer at all libraries in the county, while visitors can also benefit from free Wi-Fi services* and even free computer training.

Internet access is particularly important with so many services today switching to the web, and can help people save money by enabling them to shop online and assist them in finding information about things that are important to them or staying in touch with families and friends.

If people want to borrow a book, they do not even have to go inside a library, but can go online for an e-book, or use the library service’s online reference library to answer questions such as: ‘What’s the answer to six down?’ or ‘What was the newspaper headline on 5 March 1872?’ – again all at no cost.

Whether people are interested in local history, finding out about their ancestors, or need information to help with filling in an online form, then the library is the place to go, and there will always be someone on hand to give visitors advice and help get them started.

Simon Hughes, East Sussex County Council Assistant Chief Executive, said: “We want as many people as possible to know what great things they can get from our first class library service.

“With so many people needing to get online to do things nowadays, sometimes we forget that not everyone has a computer at home, or knows how to use it.

“As well as the things people usually associate with libraries, such as books, it is important to remember they can also provide a gateway to support and information which helps many people in their everyday lives”.

Libraries have plenty of other services on offer too, such as DVD rentals with great premier titles and competitive hire charges, free children’s storytime, and specific events such as ‘Meet the Author’.

This makes the local library a place for everyone and a real community hub. To find out more:

Further information

East Sussex libraries are an established and well-supported council service. More than £13m has been allocated to improve libraries in Hastings, Newhaven and Seaford – a record amount of funding for libraries in the county. We’ve also opened new libraries in Rye and Wadhurst and refurbished other libraries.

*available at selected libraries (Lewes, Eastbourne, Rye, Peacehaven and Hailsham)