Free computers and Internet access

Free computers and Internet access

You can use computers for free in libraries (see below) and at other locations in East Sussex.

• Mobile office – computers in your town or village
• Public Information Points
• UK online centres

Using computers and the Internet in libraries

Anyone can use a computer at our libraries free of charge.

You will need to bring proof of your identity or your library card, and agree to our acceptable use policies for library computers.

Do I have to book?

No, but we recommend you book ahead. You can book a library computer for sessions of up to one hour by phoning Library Enquiries on 0345 60 80 196. Please let us know if you want to use a scanner when you book.

Alternatively you can just turn up to see if a computer is available. If a computer is free, at most libraries you can sign in with your library card number and PIN and get up to an hour straightaway.

Once you're using a computer, you may extend your session depending on how busy the computers are that day.

Can my child use a computer in the library?

Yes. We have computers in the children's areas of libraries for children.

• Children aged 8 to 15 can use the computers unsupervised but parents and guardians are responsible for their activities while using the Internet. A parental consent form must be completed.
• Children under eight years old must be supervised at all times by parent or guardian.

Please note that content is filtered for children but this is not always effective in blocking unsuitable material.

What can I do on the computers?

As well as word processing and spreadsheets, you can use email and search the Internet and online reference library on our computers. Library members can also access some of our subscription services from home.

• Internet, email and useful websites – search engines, free email and websites listed by subject
• Reference books and online reference library – free access to subscription services including Ancestry, Britannica, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Newsbank and Times Digital Archive and more

Our library computers also offer the following facilities:

• using USB memory sticks, CD-R and CD-RW, and floppy discs
• memory card reader for digital cameras, so you can download, email or print photos
• software for creating presentations, newsletters and editing photos
• one scanner in each library to scan images and documents, including importing text into a document
• saving your files temporarily to the My Documents folder on the computer. Please remember to delete your files at the end of your session to protect your privacy.
• accessibility software to magnify text and read information on screen aloud, write letters and save them as MP3 audio files
• wi-fi at Peacehaven Library.

What do you think about County Council services? Library staff can help you with online surveys or printing a survey form on our library computers.

• Have your say