Croydon has been successful in a bid for £150,000 of government funding to create an energy-efficient, accessible digital discovery zone in Croydon Central Library.
The library receives 25,000 visits a month and, as the only provider of free public WiFi and IT access in the town centre, demand for WiFi, study spaces and access to computers is increasing.
The council is planning a redesign of the library space with a focus on digital inclusion – particularly for the borough’s most vulnerable residents who may struggle to access online services and resources and need a quiet place to study.
The council has already invested in providing free WiFi and full fibre broadband across Central Library. The digital discovery zone project will introduce enhanced WiFi and create a flexible lounge and dedicated accessible meeting spaces for workshops, study sessions and to support learning and other activities.
Croydon was one of five London boroughs successful in its bid for a grant from the government’s Cultural Investment Fund, from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
“It’s essential that our borough’s residents have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential. Access to digital services and a comfortable place to work is a key component of that learning.
“We welcome this government investment, which will enable the council to push ahead with this project to enhance our library facilities and make them more accessible and inclusive.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
