Burnt Ash Library will "soon" have wi-fi

All libraries across the borough will soon be equipped with wi-fi facilities meaning that library users will be able to use the internet more easily.

The news will see four of the busier Neighbourhood libraries, Beckenham, West Wickham Chislehurst and Petts Wood, offering wi-fi for the first time.  In addition, the community libraries in Burnt Ash, Hayes, Shortlands and Southborough will also have wi-fi installed, with the project estimated to be completed by the end of March 2016.

Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal and Recreation welcomed the news and said, “It is now increasingly difficult to imagine a time without the internet and computers and smart phones and tablets are moving this on a stage further.  This necessarily changes library services and what is expected.  We are committed to improving our library services where we can and I am pleased that we have been able to do this and is further evidence of how we are shaping our libraries, keeping libraries highly relevant in this modern age.” 

The wi-fi installation project follows a successful funding application to the Arts Council who announced a £7.1 million fund in the summer to help install wi-fi facilities in libraries across the country as part of the wi-fi in Public Libraries in England project.  The funding is designed to ensure that libraries are fit for purpose now and in the future and to help unlock further opportunities to extend their services, tackling digital exclusion, leading to growth in digital skills and enabling the development of new partnerships that will benefit local residents and citizens.

Bromley Library Service has a growing online presence enabling customers to download eBooks and eMagazines onto their devices for free. The new libraries app gives quick and easy access to library services on-the-go, giving library users the freedom to renew books, find out about library events or search the catalogue from their mobile device. 

Bromley Central, Biggin Hill, Mottingham, Orpington, St Paul’s Cray and Penge libraries already provide free wi-fi and following installation in the other 8 libraries, this very popular facility will be available right across the borough.