Libraries' Partnership with APNK First Birthday Tomorrow

Today is the first anniversary of the partnership between Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa (APNK) and Dunedin Public Libraries. APNK provides free internet and computer access in public libraries so all New Zealanders can benefit from accessing, experiencing and creating digital content.
DPL staff are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response from the community and the impressive statistics that reflect the system’s popularity.
APNK has enabled a new generation of users to frequent and take advantage of Library services. APNK provided the Dunedin Public Libraries with 35 computers, with a variety of applications installed, to enable Library users to access and create digital content.
In its first year, the free Wifi service has been accessed more than 25,000 times, computers with broadband internet have been used more than 100,000 times and more than 800,000 different websites have been visited.
It has been a very busy 12 months for all the Dunedin Public Libraries and, with the added bonus of this model, there has been a marked increase in staff enquiries, visitors, as well as many positive accolades from satisfied customers.
Library Services Manager Bernie Hawke, says “As technology progresses, more and more people in our society are expected to communicate and be literate in the digital world, so this partnership of Libraries and technology is very fitting and we are delighted with the APNK collaborative model.”