Libraries take another step in digital transformation with Wi-Fi printing

Wi-Fi printing is now available in libraries across Stoke-on-Trent - making it easier for residents to access printing facilities.

The city council was awarded £300,000 from the Libraries Improvement Fund, which is funded via Arts Council England, and part of this project has involved improving the printing facilities across the city’s six libraries.

There were 248,276 visits to the libraries in the years 2023/24 and the council is now on track to achieve its target of 250,000 this financial year. Improving library facilities is an important step forward in helping the city’s residents make full use of the library spaces they are using daily.

By having Wi-Fi printing, users will now be able to print from their own device instead of relying on computer libraries and documents will be available to collect from any library.

Customer experience will be easier and quicker and it will be a source of support for people who do not have access to printing at home.

Councillor Alastair Watson, cabinet member for financial sustainability and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I am pleased to see these improvements to our library printing facilities come to fruition thanks to this grant funding.

“By installing Wi-Fi printing, it forms part of our digital transformation by providing extra support to those without printing at home, whilst freeing up staff time, so they assist customers who struggle with I.T. I hope residents make good use of these facilities and keep enjoying the library space.”

Wi-Fi printing in libraries will be available from Tuesday, 1 April 2025. Library staff are on hand to support anyone that needs assistance.

Any customer wanting to access Wi-Fi from home printing can visit www.stoke.gov.uk/printatyourlibrary. Customers then sign in using their library card details. Once logged in they can book to use a computer in a library or send their documents to print in any Stoke-on-Trent library.