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State-of-the-art upgrades have been unveiled at one of Middlesbrough’s hugely popular community hubs as part of a major investment programme.
The high-tech improvements at Thorntree Community Hub & Library mark the final phase of a three-year project made possible through the Libraries Improvement Fund.
The Hub’s IT area has been completely redesigned to create a modern, vibrant space fit for purpose for the 21st century.
A dedicated seating area has been created for customers wishing to bring their own devices into the Community Hub and Library with the ability to plug in and charge up using new USB connections.
Thorntree is also one of four venues now offering Hublets, the Library Service’s easy-to-use self-service tablet solution.
WiFi connectivity has been improved throughout the Hub, enabling customers to access the internet and use the new WiFi printing service.
Project Manager and Middlesbrough Libraries Digital Lead David Harrington said: “The investment from the Libraries Improvement Fund has given us an amazing opportunity to transform our digital offer, including the fabric of the IT areas in our Community Hubs and Libraries.
“The buildings and facilities have been given a whole new lease of life, enhancing customers’ ability to use their own equipment in our venues, and the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.”
The LIF Funding has also enabled the replacement of public computers with a range of 21in and 24in monitors across the service, alongside the introduction of surge-protected power points and USB charging facilities.
Seven IT areas have been refurbished across the service, with the introduction of loanable laptops, and the installation of new self-service machines at four venues.
Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Middlesbrough will be forever grateful to the Libraries Improvement Fund for the amazing investment into our facilities which has transformed our aging digital offer.
“The investment has placed our facilities on a firm footing allowing the service to continually evolve providing new and innovative services to our customers for many, many years to come.”
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