A major overhaul to update digital facilities at a key Middlesbrough community hub and library has been unveiled, with Acklam Community Hub and Library’s popular ICT suite being completely refurbished as part of a £270,000 programme of new investment.
The new suite was officially opened at a special celebration event by Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke and Cllr Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety.
The modern, vibrant space now has improved computer access, facilities for teaching and workshop-based sessions, dedicated space for users to bring their own devices to study with access to Wi-Fi printing and a height-adjustable desk.
The project is the latest in a series of innovative upgrades delivered by Middlesbrough Libraries thanks to Arts Council England’s Libraries Investment Fund (LIF).
Insight Media was delighted to have been a part of this ambitious project, with iCAM Wireless Cloud Print installed to enable library members to print direct from their own devices while in the library building, giving library users a seamless, easy-to-use facility.
We also worked with the library service to upgrade and improve their public Wi-Fi offering, ensuring a reliable service for library staff and visitors. As more and more library users bring their own devices into libraries, this project enabled Middlesbrough Libraries to deliver a modern, fit-for- purpose Wi-Fi and printing service to meet the demands of staff and library visitors.
Insight Media Director Neil Johnson said: “We have worked with Middlesbrough Libraries for many years and we were delighted to work with them on this project to enhance the digital offering across the library service. The solutions we have implemented allow the libraries to better control and manage their Wi-Fi access, as well as giving library users a new Wi-Fi printing service, better reflecting the way users are increasingly using their own devices in libraries.”
Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England, said: “I’m delighted to see the installation of updated digital resources across Middlesbrough libraries which has been made possible with a £270,000 grant from the Libraries Improvement Fund.
“It’s so important that everyone can access digital services and support in their local library and I’m sure that Middlesbrough’s communities will benefit immensely from these facilities.”
Mayor Cooke said: “Our libraries and hubs are the beating hearts of our communities, and that’s why people want us to invest in them.
“Our Libraries Service creates focal points for individuals and groups, and has led the way in harnessing the latest technology to deliver the best possible experience for all customers.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in making this new development a reality, and particular thanks to Arts Council England without whose funding support it simply wouldn’t have been possible.”
Pictured: Middlesbrough Council interim Chief Executive Clive Heaphy, Acklam ward Councillor Sheila Dean, Executive Member for Community Safety Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, Arts Council England Relationship Manager Ellie Whalley, Director, Libraries Arts Council England Luke Burton, and David Harrington, Project Manager, Digital Lead Middlesbrough Libraries.
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