Somerset’s libraries are celebrating Get Online Week by hosting a whole range of special events designed to help people understand the internet.

From October 17, all week long free sessions will be available across the county during Get Online Week Friendly help and support is available all year round at Somerset’s libraries but Get Online Week will bring 17 dedicated digital sessions to residents across the County.

As a part of the network of UK Online Centres, Somerset’s libraries help people build digital skills by providing support on using emails and online shopping, online chats and videos, and even on how to find new ways to stay healthy.

Mr Woulfe, aged 94, was one of those people. He has been learning how to use a tablet at Bridgwater Library.

Mr Woulfe said: “I started with the computer course but I don’t have a laptop or computer at home, only a tablet. I come to the tablet courses here and the lovely volunteer Neil also sees me one-to-one sometimes. He’s simply marvellous! He’s got so much patience, because of course you can’t expect a 94 year old to get things straight away.

“I’m now able to chat with my daughter on Facebook and I also watch the news and sport. I’m interested in Irish History and have been able to find out information about where I was born in Ireland - I left when I was 23. I’m planning to get the hang of email next and may even use Skype to keep in touch with my family. It’s all marvellous!”

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “The testimonial from Mr Woulfe says it all! So much of our lives now revolve around the digital world and it’s important that everyone has an opportunity to experience exactly what can be achieved online.

“Our libraries provide this kind of support all year, but if you have never attended a course before, Get Online Week is the perfect time to start.”

Events are listed below and are free, but places need to be booked at the library.

  • Bridgwater

Internet Safety

19 October

10am to 12:30pm

  • Burnham

Get online with your Tablet

20 October

10:30am to noon

  • Chard

Get online with your Tablet

18 October

10am to noon

  • Frome

Online Banking with your Tablet or PC

18 October

10:30am to noon

  • Glastonbury

Tablet/iPad Taster Session

18 October

10am to noon

  • Langport

Health information online

18 October

2:30pm to 4pm

  • Martock

Basic Get Online Course

17 October

10am to noon

Keep Fit While You Travel & Shop ‘Til You Drop

17 October

10am to noon

  • Priorswood

Basic Get Online Course

17 October

10:15 to noon

  • Shepton Mallet

Tablet/iPad Taster Session

21 October

Time to be confirmed

  • Street

Online Pick ‘n’ Mix

21 October

10am to noon

Basic Get Online Course

19 October

10am to noon

Basic Get Online Course

19 October

2:30pm to 4:30pm

  • Wells

Tablet/iPad Taster Session

19 October

10:30am to 12:30pm

  • Williton

Keep Fit While You Travel & Shop ‘Til You Drop

17 October

10:15am to 11:45am

  • Wincanton

Get Online Course

17 October

10am to noon

  • Yeovil

Be happier and healthier online

18 October

10am to noon