People's Network fast facts

• There are more than 4000 public libraries across the UK offering free or low cost broadband internet access and other services
• Over 30,000 computer terminals with broadband internet access provide over 68.5 million hours worth of internet use very year across the UK
• There are 3,500 public libraries in England offering more than 20,000 computer terminals
• Many libraries provide extra support facilities (also known as assistive technology) so that people who find conventional computer facilities difficult to use can enjoy and benefit from these services
• More than 40,000 public library staff are trained to use computers and support member of the public in their online learning and information needs

Survey data collected shortly after the People's Network infrastructure was formally launched revealed that:

• 27% of People's Network users had never used the internet before
• In the first few months of the service 25,000 people had started a new course or gained a qualification online
• 8,000 users have found new jobs thanks to the People's Network
• 52,500 people have used the service for activities supporting their local community