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Connecting Merton aims to get digitally excluded people in Merton develop their digital skills. 

The project aims to extend the reach of Merton Libraries and reduce digital exclusion in the borough through the delivery of an innovative scheme for digitally excluded residents who will be able to get laptops and tablets on loan from Merton libraries for a period of 3 months.

 

Volunteers will support residents taking part in the scheme at the libraries. As well as 1:1 support, residents will be able to attend IT courses run by Merton Adult Learning to develop their digital skills.

 

We have laptops, tablets and Amazon Echo Shows available as part of Connecting Merton. 

 

Who can borrow a device?

 

In order to borrow a device you must meet the following guidelines:

  • Be a Merton resident aged 18+. 
  • Have a Merton library card in good standing, which means: no outstanding fines or fees, or history of lost items. 
  • Be able to provide photo ID and proof of address such as driving licence, bank statement, telephone bill (less than 3 months old) 

 

Terms and Conditions

 

The main terms of the loan are:

  • Maximum of one device to be borrowed per person at a time
  • Three month loan period with the option of renewing for a further three month loan (maximum two renewals) if there is no one else waiting to borrow.
  • If lost or damaged charges will be applied depending on the device you've borrowed.

 

Borrowers will need to sign a loan agreement form and agree to the Terms and Conditions of use.

 

Register your Interest

 

To register your interest in getting a device please email [email protected] indicating your name, surname, telephone number, postcode and library card number.

You can also pop down to any of our libraries anrd register your interest there.

 

National Databank

 

 

Merton libraries are working with The Good Things Foundation to support digital inclusion through the National Databank scheme which provides free mobile phone data, texts and calls for people in need.

 

The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks Vodafone, O2 and Three.

 

Eligibility criteria:

 

To receive data through the National Databank you must:

·       Be 18+ years old

·       And be from a low-income household

 

You must also qualify in one of the following statements:

·       Has no access or insufficient access to the internet at home

·       Has no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home

·       Cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top up

A person can have access to data for up to 12 months. Their mobile device must either be unlocked or, if locked, be locked to O2, Vodafone or Three.

Please note, recipients can only have one SIM card at any one time.

 

 

Free SIM cards are also available at the New Horizon Centre in Pollards Hill.

 

IT Support Sessions

 

Colliers Wood Library

Tuesdays, 11.30am - 2.30pm

Thursdays, 10am - 1pm

Booking required. Call 020 8274 5799 or email [email protected]

 

Mitcham Library

Call the library for dates on 0208 274 5745.

 

Morden Library

Call the library for dates on 0208 545 4040

 

Raynes Park Library

Tuesdays, 10 -11am

Thursdays 2-3pm

Fridays, 10am-12noon

Saturdays, 9.30am-11.30am

Drop in sessions, no need to book.

 

Wimbledon Library

Call the library for dates on 0208 274 5757

 

For more information about Connecting Merton email [email protected]