Christchurch City Libraries announce free internet

Christchurch City Libraries have announced their special gift to the city today, at an official birthday celebration at central library – free internet access at each of the city’s libraries.

Free access to internet services aligns Christchurch City Libraries with the New Zealand Digital Strategy, the Aotearoa Peoples Network and the Public Libraries of New Zealand strategic vision of ensuring that local communities and individuals have access to the digital world and the skills to participate in an informed way, free from unnecessary restrictions or charges.

“This gift to the city of free internet access is our way of thanking the public for supporting Christchurch City Libraries since 1859” says Carolyn Robertson, Libraries and Information Unit Manager, Christchurch City Council.

“We have come such a long way since those early days, especially when it comes to the delivery of modern technology.

“While still incredibly prominent, our libraries are no longer just about books. The internet has become such a huge part of modern day life, whether it’s for carrying out research, applying for jobs or simply keeping in touch with family and friends. The internet offers such vast opportunities and we want to ensure the public have equal access to this information.

“Of course we will have security processes in place, to ensure a fair and safe web browsing environment. For example, the service will be filtered and access to certain ports and protocols will be blocked. Library customers will be required to book time on the computers and will be allowed two hours maximum of free internet access per day.

“With 179 computers across our network of 19 libraries, we hope this gift will be beneficial to the entire city. Four of our libraries, including Central, South, Upper Riccarton and New Brighton also offer a free wireless service, allowing the public to bring their own laptop computers to these libraries and access the internet free of charge”.

Customers will be able to make bookings up to seven days in advance, at each of the Christchurch City Libraries.

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