Wellington is latest library to lend iPads
Wellington Library is the latest library in Telford and Wrekin to lend out iPads, as part of the council’s ongoing work to break down digital barriers and help more people get online.
The scheme, which has already been introduced at Southwater and Newport Libraries launched at Wellington Library today (Monday 27 March2023).
Anyone over the age of 18, with a Telford and Wrekin Library Card, can borrow an iPad free of charge, for up to four weeks at a time from the library. The iPads come with a bag, case and charger, and the loan includes data too, so there are no costs involved.
Felicity Mercer, Director of Communities, Customer and Commercial Services, said: “When we trialled the iPad lending scheme at Southwater Library it was well received and the pilot was a great success. As a result we’ve recently rolled it out at Newport Library, and it’s now available at Wellington Library too.
“We take for granted just how many of the things we do in our day to day lives are done online. Whether it’s paying a bill, looking up information, searching and applying for jobs, or getting the best deals on your home energy, most of us do it with a few quick clicks.
“But if you haven’t got a way to get online, it’s not that easy. By lending out iPads, we hope to break down some of these barriers and help more people get online when they need to, without them incurring any costs.”
Wellington Library is open seven days a week, but iPads can only be borrowed or returned on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and on Saturday mornings, when the library is staffed rather than self-service.
The iPad Lending Library Scheme is part of Telford &Wrekin Council’s work to address digital exclusion and help more people in the borough access the internet. This includes access to digital devices, training courses and support sessions. For more information, visit Telford’s Digital Directory at https://livewell.telford.gov.uk/telfordgetdigital
