LIBRARY users in Hampshire will be able to enjoy upgraded wi-fi on their laptops, smartphones and tablets during their visits from the end of March, after the county council’s successful bid to Arts Council England for £40,704 in funding.

Culture councillor Andrew Gibson said: “In this digital age, reliable and free access to the internet should be a key part of any library service.

“Whether our customers are studying, catching up on the news, downloading e-books or simply enjoying finding out about a personal interest, the internet is a rich resource that has taken centre-stage, and providing improved access to it is something we are keen to do.

“I would therefore like to thank Arts Council England for considering our bid and providing the necessary funding.”

Hampshire County Council is one of 68 councils across the country to receive funding with £2,646,078 allocated by Arts Council England nationally.

A council spokesman said: “Enhanced wi-fi could be just the beginning of much wider improvements and modernisations in Hampshire’s libraries.”