Library service to cease iPad scheme after thefts
Libraries in the city are set to cease lending out iPads after devices became obsolete and some were stolen.
Leeds City Council said it would save cash by ending its tablet-lending scheme at libraries and community hubs.
The devices could be borrowed for up to eight weeks with a 5G data allowance to help people struggling to get online.
The libraries service said it would stop lending tablets to individuals but continue the scheme by loaning them to community organisations.
A council report said: “The vast majority of iPads are now obsolete.
“Tablet lending to individuals takes an inordinate amount of staff time to manage.
“Despite robust systems in place, loss and theft are still intolerably high.”
The report said some people may find it harder to access the internet after the scheme ends.
It said: “However, we have multiple other options. All our community hubs and libraries have free public PCs that individuals can access.”
The council said it was spending £40,000 per year on contracts with data management companies to operate the scheme.
The report said: “Such savings could offset the purchase of a small number of new devices to continue the scheme by loaning to community organisations.”
Devices were lent out from libraries in Armley, Harehills, Headingley, Holt Park, Hunslet, Chapeltown and Seacroft.