Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to strengthen the role of public libraries in providing digital skills to people experiencing digital exclusion.

Public libraries are among the most trusted places people turn to for help getting online. They break down barriers to digital opportunity through free Wi-Fi, public PCs, ebook and audiobook lending, and support accessing essential services. Through the £11.9 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund we backed over 80 community projects, including support for Libraries Connected’s digital inclusion guide to help communities keep pace with AI. Our £5.5 million Libraries Improvement Fund helps libraries upgrade buildings and technology.