Are you having difficulty getting to your local library?
Do you know someone who is housebound who would like to borrow books and other items but has no-one to help? South Gloucestershire Libraries Home Library Service matches carefully chosen volunteers to people who are unable to visit their local library due to ill health, disability etc. The volunteers discuss what is required with the customer and then choose books, spoken word cassettes and CDs, music CDs and DVDs, which are brought to them by the volunteer on a regular basis. Each library runs the Home Library Service for their particular area, so to access the Home Library Service just visit your local library or ring 01454 868006 and ask to be put through to them. We are also constantly seeking volunteers to help with this valuable service, so if you have a few hours a week which you could spend visiting an isolated older or disabled person, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact your local library on the above number or email libraries@southglos.gov.uk.
Jean’s First Click!
Jean only knew a little bit about computers before she signed up for a First Click course at Kingswood library. “I was listening to the radio and I heard about First Click when BBC Bristol was doing a broadcast from Kingswood Library. I thought I’d pop along and find out more.”
After 3 free lessons covering computer basics, the internet and email Jean is feeling a lot more confident about using her PC at home. “I have just dabbled with it up to now. I have an old lap-top, but I am thinking of updating it.”
Jean is going to use her new-found computer skills to help her stay in touch with her family and friends. Jean has a large family, some in Cardiff, with others living abroad. She is now a real convert to the benefits of email, adding that “email is great way to stay in touch with people and you can even see photos of each other the same day they were taken”.
Jean’s husband is disabled. Using the internet to have their shopping delivered direct to the house will really help. The internet can also cut out all those trips down to the bank. “Everything is so much more accessible on the internet”, Jean says.
She also uses her computer for entertainment. “I love playing solitaire and some of the card games. I am thinking of using it for digital photography next.” It is never too late to learn something new. “I aim to have a practice at least once a week - it’s good for the brain!”
If you want to learn more about using the Internet or want to develop your IT skills why not call into your local library. In partnership with South Gloucestershire Community Learning, Age UK and Filton College, libraries offer a range of IT courses to help you get started.