For residents in Dorset, Blandford Library is more than just a place to loan books. For many, Blandford library is a community hub and a place to connect. In 2021 the library was upgraded to a gigabit-capable network, making buffering screens a thing of the past.
Before gigabit broadband systems in the library were slow, often dropping out or not loading at all. This would have a knock-on effect to the public computers as people often had limited time to complete work.
Thanks to UK Government’s investment Blandford Library was connected to gigabit-capable broadband in May 2021 through the Local Full Fibre Network Programme. This project was managed by Dorset Council and supplied by Openreach.
Since receiving the broadband upgrade, the library has been able to offer a range of digital services including a computer basics course. This course is delivered by the library’s Digital Champion and teaches the public online skills that are essential to keeping them connected online.
They’ve also purchased some assisted technology in the hope to teach more vulnerable people how to use this in their own home.
They recently hosted a talk from a film editor which was a blended session, offering a virtual link to the local nursing home and residential homes for them to join online, which is something they could have never done before. The library has an active social media presence to keep the community up to date so they’re now able to upload content quicker.
The library still has a fast connection no matter how many people are online. They now also have tablets to be able to look through the catalogue quickly and find books for customers. Gigabit broadband has been a game changer and is benefiting the whole community.
Dorset Council Content Designer, Louise Butcher, said: “Traditionally libraries core business has been books, but we really need digital support to be able to offer everything that we want to,” Louise said “We’re fully embedded into the community.
“Everything was so slow; things would drop out. We used to joke that we were at the end of the line and there were millions of obstacles in the way. It now no longer takes us half an hour to log in to the computer, everything just works.
“It was frustrating for us all, even the customers, but now with the gigabit connection we’re able to offer a fast, reliable service.
“We now still have a fast connection no matter how many people are online. We’ve even got tablets in the library so we’re able to look through the catalogue quickly and find books for customers, it’s a game changer.”
I have worked in communications for 25 years, first as a journalist and then in public and private sector public relations. From Southampton originally, I have lived in beautiful Dorset for the last two decades. My passion for Dorset has also turned into a passion for landscape photography. My other great loves are my family and Southampton Football Club.