Dorset libraries offering iPad lending service

It's being trialled at five sites across the county

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 30th Jan 2023

Libraries in Dorset are trialling a lending service for iPads.

Dorset Council's set up the scheme at five sites - Blandford, Bridport, Ferndown, Swanage and Weymouth - with people able to borrow a tablet for six weeks, free of charge.

The authority's working with the Department for Work and Pensions and Citizens Advice on the idea, to help borrowers to search and apply for jobs online.

The iPads come with an instructional video and come with free data, so people without broadband can still use them.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said:

“This is a great opportunity for people who are struggling to find employment through traditional ways to try a different approach for free.

“Our digital champions are very good at helping the inexperienced to get online.”

There's more information on the Dorset Council website. |newtab)

If the pilot is successful, more libraries could be added in to the service.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.