HI-Tech Learning Centre For Watt Library

Saturday, 21 January 2012 |

INVERCLYDE Council has secured funding for a hi-tech learning centre at the last of its libraries without one.

The Scottish Government Public Library Quality Improvement Fund has given £16,750 for 10 computers, wi-fi and scanning equipment to be provided at the Watt Library, Union Street, Greenock.

The library is thecentre for local history learning in Inverclyde but has had only one computer, restricting the public’s access to information.

Regeneration Convener Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld said: "We are absolutely delighted to be installing a new learning centre in the last remaining library in Inverclyde without one. The Watt Library is a remarkable resource for people interested in the history of the area and researching their family tree. The new learning centre will make it even easier for the public to combine the rich resources of the library, with internet research, and we hope aspiring genealogists will be keen to come along to our classes in getting started with your family tree."

The centre will allow genealogical classes within the local history library for the first time, and to pay a tutor to work with members of the public to produce further heritage resources, and increase their IT skills.

Classes will be available in Basic Computing, Genealogy, Local History and other subjects that library users may be keen to explore. There will also be a team of learners brought together who will help create and run a website and learning resource for the Watt Library led by an experienced tutor.

Anyone who would be interested in signing up for any of these classes or projects should give the Learning Services team a call on 01475 712 322.