'Get online' – helping you use the internet

Whyis getting online important?

There are 12.6 million people in the UK who don’t have the basic digital skills they need to function in a digital world. Access to the Internet can create opportunities and make a big difference to people’s lives. 

A few of the many benefits include the following:

• It's cheaper - the best deals on products and services are often found online. Households are, on average, £440 better off per year.
  
• Staying in touch - staying in touch has never been easier or cheaper. Email, video calling, and social media makes chatting with loved ones cheap and easy.
  
• It's quicker and easier - don’t wait in a queue! Shop, bank, book a holiday, apply for jobs, pay bills - all at your fingertips and at your own pace.
  
• Your interests - watch films, play games, find other enthusiasts, or that old recipe… the list is endless. You don’t have to be interested in computers to make the most of the useful things the internet has to offer.
• Access council services - You can pay, apply, book and report lots of things online, 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. Simply type what you are looking for in the search box at the top of this page, or use the A to Z to find what you are looking for.  
  

Where can I access the Internet for free?

In council libraries

All council libraries, multi-service centres, and most long-stay mobile libraries have computers that are free to use. Free wi-fi is available in all library buildings allowing you to connect to the internet using your own laptop or device, such as a tablet or phone.

Find out more about library computers

At other council locations

We offer free public wi-fi at many council locations across the East Riding, including our libraries. 

Take a look at where you can access free wi-fi

Please note: you will be asked to complete a short registration form before accessing the council wi-fi.

Where can I access free support to help me get online?

Online in your own time

'Learn My Way' is a website which offers free online courses for beginners, helping you develop digital skills at your own pace on days and times that suit you.

Visit the Learn My Way website for simple and friendly advice

From one of our trained library staff members

If you’d find it more useful to sit down with somebody and have personal help, all of our libraries are UK Online Centres and are happy to help. Ask at your nearest library for information on how we can help you.

You can also take a look at what computer and internet services you can access at our libraries and events and resources aimed at keeping you safe online.

With an IT tutor on an adult learning course

If you would like to take an IT course, there is a wide selection of short, part-time courses available for free at your nearest adult learning centre. View a selection of our current computer and digital skills courses.

Where can I find information to help me keep safe online?

The potential for the internet to be a valuable and fun resource for entertainment, making friends, keeping in touch and learning is huge. But if you use the internet, you could be at risk of illegal activity or abuse - be it bullying, fraud or something more serious. Unlike seeing someone face to face, on the net, people aren't always what they first seem.

Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day will be celebrated in the UK on 11 February 2020. 

It’s a chance to focus on how we use the internet and technology safely, responsibly and positively.

East Riding Libraries are providing a variety of resources and information about keeping safe online and to support Safer Internet Day.

Take a look at events and resources aimed at keeping you safe online

UK Safer Internet Centre 

Visit the UK Safer Internet Centre website:

UK Safer Internet Centre (external website)

Where can I access support to grow my business online?

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills offers online help to micro-businesses and sole traders to find customers, spread word of mouth, be more efficient, and sell their goods and services online.

Do More Online Campaign (external website)

How can I help other people get online?

Do you know someone who doesn’t use the internet? You don’t have to be an expert to help someone get online. You can help in a number of ways:

• Show them the Learn My Way website which offers free and easy courses on using a computer, browsing the web, sending an email and finding work online.
  
• Show them what computer and internet services they can access at our libraries and events and resources aimed at keeping them safe online.
• Show them a selection of our current internet and technology adult learning courses aimed at helping them to get to grips with using the internet.