Free internet at the library

FREE INTERNET: Rotorua Library manager Jane Gilbert (left) and council chief executive Geoff Williams sign an agreement to get free internet at the Rotorua District Library. SUPPLIED

The Rotorua District Council has joined forces with the National Library of New Zealand to bring free internet services to Rotorua District Library users.

The Aotearoa Peoples' Network Kaharoa (APNK) is an initiative developed by the National Library of New Zealand which aims to provide free computing equipment and internet access to the public.

Council chief executive Geoff Williams met with library director Jane Gilbert to officially sign an agreement that will see this ground-breaking development brought to Rotorua.

As part of the agreement the library will receive 20 additional computers allowing existing coin-operated computers to be replaced.

Users will be able to access the internet throughout the library free of charge.

Mrs Gilbert sees the introduction of the service as being "a significant and exciting step forward for the library and the whole Rotorua community".

She praised the Aotearoa Peoples' Network Kaharoa and National Library of New Zealand for making the opportunity available to public libraries, not only in Rotorua, but across the nation.

"This is quite a moment for us here at the library.

" It signals a new era for library services in Rotorua and for public libraries nationally.

" Here and elsewhere, libraries are working hard to further our positions as 'community hubs'. This development can only move us closer to that goal," she said.

Mr Williams commended the library's willingness to embrace innovation and the work its passionate staff do to improve service to library patrons.

"Not only will this agreement substantially benefit users of the library, but it is also a prime example of council's commitment to working collaboratively with our individual services," he said.

The new equipment and improved internet access will be available for the public in six to eight weeks.