A BUDDYING service is being run at Dursley Library to assist people with using computers and accessing the internet.

The library are promoting the service as part of Get Online Week at all Gloucestershire Libraries which lasts until October, 23.

Rory Denney, volunteers at Dursley Library every Saturday after 2pm, to help anyone who wants to improve their IT skills and learn how to get online.

Like the other volunteers at 25 libraries across Gloucestershire, Rory offers one-to-one sessions to help with setting up emails, accessing the internet, and downloading eBooks.

Other trained library staff also offer their assistance through the week. Dursley Library’s Team Leader, Julie Davies, said: “We are not all experts ourselves but we try our best to help.

“We get asked for assistance with items like completing forms that can only be done online, how to set up email or Facebook accounts and with shopping online. Things people who are pc literate and grew up around computers might take for granted.”

Dursley library has seven computers available, which can be booked for up to two hours per day. They also provide free Wi-Fi for anyone who would like to use their own device.

Dursley resident, Tina Torrington, 46, said: “Nowadays sometimes the only option available for finding information out is by going online. Access to help will be useful especially for older people who are often scared of new technology. “ Julie said: “People are sometimes scared about learning something new online tasks. But, they don’t need to doubt their ability to learn because after they are shown they soon start to pick it up.”

Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Libraries can help people take their very first steps to understanding how the internet works and towards getting online.

“Get Online Week is a great way to take that first step into understanding just how easy and helpful the internet can be to people who might previously have thought it was too difficult for them to use.

“I would encourage anyone looking for help or advice to visit their local library. I am convinced that most people will be pleasantly surprised how straight forward and useful the internet is.”

They are also promoting online resources such as Ancestry free of charge for library members for anyone who wishes to research their family history.

Julie said: “Nosing into our family history can be fascinating.”

For more information, including opening times of local libraries, please visit www.gloucestershire.gov/libraries.