Most people rave about Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, but what did you think of the book? Did it live up to the hype?<br><br>Islington Council’s 10 libraries are giving you the chance to share your opinion on any book that has raised your ire or satisfied your intellect through a new free network.<br><br>There are over 50 computers in Islington's libraries all with free internet access, as well as an internet site that offers users unique services for online enquiry, discovery and reading. <br><br>The People’s Network brings together cutting edge 24/7 services to help answer any question, guide you through the web and explore books and reading online.<br><br>Mr. Neil Devlin age 53 who lives at Horsell Road N5 said: "I'm in a local ME Group. I will tell people about the People's Network service, and how people can participate online in reading groups, or ask questions direct to a librarian, without leaving home. I enjoy coming here to the library to use the computers. I come here nearly every day."<br><br>The ‘Read’ service offers a portfolio of online services that aim to enhance people's enjoyment of books and reading. The service includes the forum reader2reader, where users can tell others exactly what they think about the books they have read.<br><br>The ‘Enquire’ service will give users ‘live' online access to library and information staff. Queries will be answered in real time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, either via a live chat link or by email. <br><br>Mr. Nagendranath Patla, 79 who lives in Balfour Road, N5 said: "It's much easier to come to the library to use the computer to check the information. I enjoy coming here very much. <br><br>"The Kompass database is very useful for checking companies and their performance. I can always find what I'm looking for. It's very important for me"<br><br>‘Discover’ is an internet search service that can be personalised to suit people's interests and needs. The service gives users access to a rich range of resources, from quick website links to information about collections and objects in libraries, museums and archives.<br><br>Executive member for communities, Councillor Laura Willoughby said: “Islington Council’s libraries have for a long time been offering free computer and internet access to members but we are now joining a national network that will provide our users with a powerful information tool.”<br><br>Each year around the UK more than 11 million user sessions are logged using the People’s Network. Research has also shown that annually more than 7,000 people use the network at their local libraries to find a job and more than 62,000 people report gaining a new skill.<br><br>“The service is both educational and interactive, which provides for a dynamic and fun site. I especially enjoyed seeing other peoples book recommendations and the on-line book clubs. I was also interested in finding articles by a 1930's journalist using the Times historical archives,” Cllr Willoughby said.<br><br>For more details call 020 7527 6900, e-mail library.informationunit@islington.gov.uk or visit www.islington.gov.uk/libraries <br><br>People’s Network services are available at: www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk and is managed by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).<br><br>Ends
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009