Hampshire County Council's libraries will be playing their part in the IT revolution by introducing the People's Network - computer terminals offering customers free internet access and the facility to send e-mails.

The scheme, which is due to roll out to libraries across the county in early 2003, has already been introduced to Lymington library with over 15,000 bookings in the first six months.

There are also plans to run "taster sessions" for complete novices to e-mail and the internet later this year and in the New Year.

The number of terminals to be introduced to each library will depend on its size and the number of customers. They will be installed with Microsoft Office software - offering additional facilities including word processing, spreadsheets, and database and presentation preparation.

County council's executive member for recreation and heritage, John Waddington, said: "We hope that the People's Network will help people who may not usually have access to the internet and e-mail. They are increasingly used as communication tools in society and we are pleased to play our part in ensuring that this technology is accessible to all."

The People's Network is a national, government-led scheme paid for with lottery money via the New Opportunities Fund.