Press Release
Free wi-fi and more from the Library’s 1421 project
Customers can now use a built-in laptop bar when they pop in to use Shetland Library’s free wireless internet access. Wi-fi, and the laptop bar on the library mezzanine are just two of the improvements introduced thanks to another successful funding bid by the Library. The 1421 Project aims to make the Library more attractive to young people, and has been made possible by £28,000 of external funding.
Other items purchased for the main library and the eight school branches include new display furniture, information screens, beanbags, digital cameras, DVD players, health promotion materials, music CDs, graphic novels, Wii consoles and games. Staff training has also been funded, and the Library is liaising with Shetland Youth Services and NHS Shetland to plan and deliver the project.
Work will now begin to promote the new facilities at all branches. The ultimate goal is to encourage more people in the 14 - 21 age group to make use of library services. Kat Brack, School Librarian at the Anderson High School explained “This is an exciting opportunity to promote the library in a fresh and unexpected way. Pupils can come to the library not only to study or to relax with a book, but also for games events, information on careers and university, to borrow CDs (for free!) or to listen to music.”
Councillor Gussie Angus said: “It is splendid news for the Library, splendid for our young folk and it’s good to see the Library is keeping up with new technology.”
The project is supported by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and the funding came from the Scottish Government Public Libraries Improvement Fund.