Overdue upgrade for library computers

The work is scheduled to take place in libraries and library contact centres across the Borders between January 25 and February 12.

Once completed, library users will benefit from a much faster and more enjoyable online experience, as well as having access to improved printing, scanning and photocopying services.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, executive member for culture, sport, youth and communities, said: “The computers in our libraries had become outdated and this major investment in improved, faster machines will give all our users a more efficient, more enjoyable experience.

“Access to free computers is an increasingly vital resource for people who don’t have online access of their own as many transactions can now only be done online.

“There are also many people who enjoy using the facilities in their local library for research, study, work or simply for copying documents.

“We hope the provision of faster, more advanced machines will encourage even more people to use their local library and all the services on offer more often.”

Every effort has been made to minimise disruption to library users while the work is carried out.

Although there will be no access to public computers or print services on the day that the upgrade is taking place, all other services will operate as normal.

Work is currently scheduled to take place in the following libraries and contact centres: Melrose – January 25; Eyemouth – January 28; Selkirk – January 29; Earlston – February 1; Duns – February 2 and Kelso – February 3.

Due to the number of machines that require to be upgraded in Hawick and Peebles, it will be necessary for these libraries to be closed for two days – Hawick on February 4 and 5, and Peebles on February 8 and 9.

There will be no disruption in Coldstream and Jedburgh as work will be carried out on days that these services are normally closed.

Galashiels Library is currently closed for refurbishment, so the upgrade of these computers will take place prior to the service reopening on February 15.

Councillor Davidson added: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused while the work is taking place and ask for the public’s patience during this time, trusting that library users will see and appreciate an immediate benefit once they begin to use the new equipment.”

More information about the changes is available in affected libraries and library contact centres.

Information is also available at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/libraries or from Library Headquarters on 01750 726400.