The new pages will cover a wide range of topics including:

• Community and volunteer groups
• Computers and online tutorials
• Your rights
• Health and wellness
• Leisure and fun
• News
• Money and work

The pages are aimed at older people who have little or no experience of using the Internet. "If you have never used the Internet before, it can be difficult to know where to begin," says Sasha Bowers, the library's promotions and publications co-ordinator. "We have developed a suite of pages which will not only provide a wealth of useful information, but a great introduction for older people who are interested in learning about the web."

Limited Internet access is provided free of charge at all libraries. And for those people coming in to look at the new pages, there is an added incentive.

During October the library will award random spot prizes to people using the pages. Lucky winners will receive an E-services card, worth $5, which will enable them to use the library's printing, email, unlimited Internet access and photocopying facilities. All spot prizewinners will then be entered into a draw to win a Uniden Cordless Extend-A-Phone from Ben Rumble Communications.

For those people with computers at home the new pages can be accessed at: http://library.christchurch.org.nz/Resources/

During October, the library is also offering older people the chance to get to know the library's computers. Free training is being provided at the Central Library in association with SeniorNet Canterbury, which is dedicated to providing computer competence for older people. Many community libraries around Christchurch will also offer free training during the month. Details are available from all libraries.

Further information:

Sasha Bowers,
Promotions & Publications Co-ordinator: 941 7923.