Lots of people will be receiving tablets, link e-readers and smart phones for Christmas this year and your local library can help you make the most of it.
More than half of the UK’s population currently use tablets at least once a month, purchase with the figure predicted to rise to nearly 60% by 2019 and Gloucestershire Libraries offer thousands of free eBooks, eAudioBooks and eMagazines available to read online or download.
If you’re lucky enough to find a new handheld device under your Christmas tree this year, Gloucestershire library staff will be on hand to give advice on how to use it if you feel you need some help.
With all of Gloucestershire’s libraries now having free Wi-Fi available, you’ll be able to take your tablet, e-reader or iPad into your local library and access county council and library services digitally. This includes online forms and requests for services, downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks as well as carrying out job searches.
There is also the ‘Gloucestershire Libraries’ app which can be downloaded for both Apple and Android, making it even easier to use library services and save you time.
All it takes to access the electronic formats of our books and magazines is to download the app, then use your library card number, PIN and an email address. Gloucestershire Virtual Library never closes, so you can download your reading material any time, any where.
Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for libraries’ said; “Handheld devices such as iPads and smart phones are incredibly popular these days, but trying something new for the first time can be a bit daunting for some people.
“Our library staff are on hand to provide advice on how to use your new device in a relaxed and informal environment. They can advise on how to download apps, access the internet and how to get the most from your tablet.
“I hope as many people as possible will visit their local library in the New Year to make the most of the support we can offer, and give our digital services a try.”
Events are taking place at:
| Tues 5th January
1.30 -3.30 |
Hucclecote | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Wednesday 6th January 11.00-4.00 | Bishops Cleeve | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Sat 9th January 10.00 -2.00 | Coleford | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Mon 11th January
10.00 -1.00 |
Coleford | Got a Gadget for Christmas? Event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Mon 11th January
10.00 – 12.00 |
Matson | Meet the Computer Buddy – bring your IT queries. Drop in session | |
| Tues 12th January
2.00 – 7.00 |
Coleford | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Thurs 14th January
2.00 – 5.00 |
Lydney | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Fri 15th January
10.00 – 1.00 |
Lydney | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Weds 20th January
2.00 – 4.00 |
Gloucester | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Wednesday 20thJanuary 11.00-4.00 | Bishops Cleeve | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Fri 22nd January
1.30 – 3.30 |
Hucclecote | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Mon 25th January
10.00 – 11.30 |
Matson | Library Club – join us for cuppa and try some gadgets and digital eReaders | |
| Mon 25th January
2.00 -5.00 |
Matson | Meet the Computer Buddy – bring your IT queries. Drop in session | |
| Every Mon in January
2.00 – 4.00 |
Tewkesbury | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Every Thursday in Jan
10.00 -12.00 |
Tewkesbury | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| Every Friday in Jan
10.00 -12.00 |
Tewkesbury | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| 29th January 11.00-4.00 | Cinderford | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
| 29th January 11:00 – 3.00 | Cheltenham | Got a Gadget for Christmas? event – come along to find out how to download our free eBooks and eMagazines | |
In addition, many more libraries have Computer Buddies to offer one to one help. To book a Buddy session please contact the library listed onhttp://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/computer-buddy
Tuffley Library also offers a regular Computer Club every Thursday.
For more information on the services available at your local library, please visit http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries.