Since its launch in February 2003, the e-library, situated in the former art gallery, has proven itself to be a great success. The number of visitors has risen steadily as more and more people take advantage of the facilities we offer. Whether you are a complete beginner, or already aware of the joys of the World Wide Web, the e-library prides itself on providing an excellent service to cope with the growing demand for Internet access and basic skills in computing.
So, what do we offer? Well, we give each registered user 30 minutes free Internet access per day on any of our twenty-four computers, as well as access to Microsoft Office Applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We also provide a laser-printing facilities with both black and white and colour printers, the charges for which are shown below.
Internet access is available for anyone over the age of eleven, and if you are under this age, you are still welcome to use the facility provided you come along with an adult – restricted Internet access is given to all users under the age of eighteen. If you are between the ages of 11 and 15 we ask that you get an adult who is resonsible for you to complete an internet access consent form. We require all e-library users who are not already library members to register before using our computers. All that is required is official proof of identity. Bring along proof of your address and signature and you will then be able to take full advantage of the Library's Lending Services, borrowing books, CD's, spoken word cassettes and even language courses.
Realising that the need in this day and age for people to be computer literate was so great, we have been running a series of courses in the e-library since we opened. These basic computer courses have been extremely successful and proven to us that people are keen on learning in a more relaxed and friendly environment such as the Library. We have ten computers, provided by UK Online, set aside for such courses on one side of the room, where people can be given a feeling of privacy in a more informal atmosphere. These tutor-led courses are run by the Adult and Community Learning Service. Course leaflets and enrolment are available at Crown Street library.
The audio library is now also housed in the e-library, and holds a wide range of CD's to suit all tastes, from pop and easy listening, to jazz and classical music. CD's are available for a one-week loan period, and up to six can be issued on your library ticket, regardless of the number of books you are borrowing. The loan charges are shown at the bottom of the page, and standard fines apply if your CD's are returned after the due date. Take a look at the Audio Recordings link on this website to get an idea of what we can offer. We do run a reservation service, which is also available online. If a CD you would like is on loan then for a small reservation charge we can hold it for you on its return and inform you of its arrival.
The audio library also provides an excellent language course loan service. We have a wide range of courses available, ranging from travel packs that are ideal for anyone who wants a basic knowledge of a language before their holiday, to more intensive courses such as Linguaphone and Readers Digest, which can be borrowed for up to three months. The charges for languages courses do vary, so please ask when you visit.
Whether you would like to check your e-mails, listen to the soundtrack of your favourite film, learn a new language or simply satisfy your curiosity about computing, why not pay us a visit. You can be assured of a warm welcome and we will do our best to give basic advice and guidance should you need it.
Charges
Internet access first half an hour free (limited to one session a day)
£2.00 per hour thereafter (half price rates apply to Leisure saver card holders)
Printing 10p per A4 copy, black and white
30p per A4 copy, colour
CD's 85p each
£2.25 for three
£4.50 for six
Reservation charges
(audio) 65p adult
35p senior citizen/children
Language courses £1.10 per element
Tel 01325 349650