Central Elgin, ON: Are you without internet access at home? Do you need to work on a resume or apply for government services? Thanks to the support of Elgin County Council, new computers are available for public use at library branches.

"Funding the replacement of aging equipment available to county residents was an easy decision," said Warden Cameron McWilliam. "Computers are an essential part of day-to-day life. Numerous services are available online, yet many residents either do not own a computer, or do not have access to high-speed internet. Thankfully, we can help by making new machines available to everyone at their local library branch."

Library visitors can use computers for educational and employment purposes or for leisure activities. The new machines come equipped with the most recent version of Microsoft Office as well as access to a number of free resources that can be used to learn a new language, figure out how to repair your car, learn what you need to finish your homework assignments, or research your family history. Of course, they are also used for standard library business, such as searching the library's collection of books, eBooks, movies and music.

"If you don't feel comfortable with computers, or need brushing up on your skills, students are available through the Youth Internships at Community Access Sites Program with whom you can schedule one-on-one appointments for free training," said Sandi Loponen, Library Coordinator. "Interns can assist with hardware and software basics, as well as social networking - so you can set up a facebook account or learn what a hashtag is all about on twitter."

The library's computers are well-used, logging over 28,000 sessions in 2012 across the county.

"Some library visitors like to use them for e-mail, facebook, or watching videos on YouTube," said Al Reitsma, IT Manager for the county. "Others need to spruce up resumes, create flyers, or print off documents quickly for a business call."

Thomas Knelsen, a frequent young visitor at the Aylmer Old Town Hall Library, uses the computers for online gaming and is enthusiastic about the new equipment at the branch.

"They are really a lot faster now. The old computers used to freeze all the time but these don't," Knelsen explained.

Library visitors can book computer time in 30-minute sessions, up to a maximum of 2 hours of daily use if no one is waiting. Wireless service is also available in the branches for those who want to bring in their own laptop or tablet.

Elgin County Library branches are located in Aylmer, Dutton, Straffordville, Port Stanley, Rodney, West Lorne, Port Burwell, Springfield, Belmont and Shedden.