Media Release: Central Hawke's Bay Libraries Go 3D

Friday 29 June 2018

Central Hawke’s Bay has taken another step towards supporting the community to increase digital literacy, with the arrival of new 3D printers in both its Waipukurau and Waipawa District Council Libraries. Enhancing digital literacy in Central Hawke’s Bay was a key priority identified by the community during project THRIVE.

The addition of new 3D printers in libraries have generated considerable interest in the community, with people excited about the opportunities and intrigued by what the new technology can do and be applied to.

“The printers are generating a lot of interest, with the common reaction being excitement from the community and a sense of great pride that Central Hawke’s Bay is able to offer technology often only available in larger centres”, says John McConville of Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Libraries.

“Our new 3D printers - along with our other technology offerings, provide the opportunity to introduce new technology and through programmes and classes, increase our community’s digital understanding and literacy”, says Mr McConville. Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Libraries in recent months have also led out a range of other technology offerings, including ‘stepping up’ free computer training classes, robotics classes and introduced free internet into homes with children under 18 through Spark Jump.

“The increase in the range of offerings in Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Libraries, reflects an approach to further increase our services relevance to all in our community that in turn supports the economic and social well-being of our community.”, says Doug Tate - Group Manager Customer and Community Partnerships. “While libraries will always promote the love of reading, leading libraries understand their critical role in increasing community literacy in the widest sense”, says Mr Tate.

The July school holiday activities provide the opportunity for families and children to experience the new technology, as well as additional programmes and services already operating in both libraries. Anyone interested in finding out more about programmes or initiatives such as the school holiday activities or Spark Jump should visit their local library or follow them on facebook - Central Hawkes Bay District Libraries.

Ends

Media contact

Monique Davidson, Chief Executive |P 06 857 8060 M 027 601 1711

Doug Tate, GM Customer & Community Partnerships |P 06 857 8060 M 027 422 9977

18 July 2018

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