Burnham-On-Sea library is among 17 Somerset libraries that are marking ‘Get Online Week’ (17-23 October) by hosting special events designed to help people understand the internet.
Friendly help and support is available all year round but Get Online Week brings dedicated digital sessions to residents across Somerset.
In Burnham, the theme of the session will be ‘get online with your tablet’ and it will run on the 20 October from 10:30am to noon.
As a part of the network of UK Online Centres, Somerset’s libraries aim to help people build digital skills by providing support on using emails and online shopping, online chats and videos, and even on how to find new ways to stay healthy.
Mr Woulfe, aged 94, was one of those people. He has been learning how to use a tablet using the help. Mr Woulfe said: “I started with the computer course but I don’t have a laptop or computer at home, only a tablet. I come to the tablet courses here and the lovely volunteer Neil also sees me one-to-one sometimes. He’s simply marvellous! He’s got so much patience, because of course you can’t expect a 94 year old to get things straight away.”
“I’m now able to chat with my daughter on Facebook and I also watch the news and sport. I’m interested in Irish History and have been able to find out information about where I was born in Ireland – I left when I was 23. I’m planning to get the hang of email next and may even use Skype to keep in touch with my family. It’s all marvellous!”
The Burnham event is free, but places need to be booked at the library. For more information about UK Online sessions, ask at your local library, or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/libraryevents
