Libraries set to provide free wi-fi

The state-of-the-art system is being fitted in every branch during the next few months.

Lesley Sim, Information Service Manager for the county’s libraries, said: “The number of laptops and smart phones has risen significantly during the last five years so it is vitally important we keep up to date with new technology.

“Anyone living in West Sussex will be able to visit a library and log on using their own device. The new service will supplement rather than replace the existing paid-for internet access, which will still be available in all 36 West Sussex libraries.”

The decision to instal wi-fi is part of a long-term plan to modernise the service, which saw new self-service book machines installed last year.

Putting in the new system will not mean closing any libraries while the work is carried out.

Installing and testing the equipment in each branch should generally take less than a day.

Work is starting this month, and is expected to finish by the end of July.