TECHNOPHOBES have a chance to conquer their fears at Northwich Library next week.

Libraries across the borough are taking part in Get Online Week from Monday, October 17.

Get Online Week is the UK’s biggest digital inclusion campaign and has been going since 2007.

Across the borough libraries are running a variety of events including IT buddy drop-ins, how to use your tablet and an introduction to family history online using websites such as Ancestry.com.

Cllr Louise Gittins, CWAC cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “I hope all our events prove to be really popular and residents make the most of what the internet has to offer.

“The internet is an increasingly important part of all our lives, so why not use Get Online Week to improve your computer skills, or even use one for the first time.”

A range of activities are planned at Northwich Library throughout the week,

including in a session from acclaimed author Dominic Canty on Wednesday, 

Occtober 19 at 2pm.

Dominic will be talking about creative writing and the journey to self-publication as part of his ‘Shark on Tour’ UK promotional tour.

Residents can also take part in an online workshop on Saturday, October 22, from 10pm to 12pm.

Get Online week will also give Northwich residents an insight into some of the more modern services the library now offers.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Libraries offer a variety of services 24/7 which can be accessed from the comfort of your own home, using a computer or mobile device.

More than 2000 titles are available via the ebooks service, allowing people to borrow books to read on a tablet for free.

This also eliminates overdue fines, as the books are removed from your device automatically at the end of the loan period.

Through the eResources library members can access authoritative, up to date information, from trusted websites.

The majority are available from home, 24 hours a day, all you have to do is log on with your library card.

“Access to the internet creates opportunities and opens doors,” Cllr Gittins said.

“Even if you cannot attend one of the sessions, all our libraries have computers with free internet access, so give it a go, or why not ask a friend to come along too.”

To find out cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries