FREE Wi-Fi will be available at libraries, museums and children’s centres in Wharfedale and Aireborough next year.

Leeds City Council has just introduced the service at Leeds’ Central Library and Art Gallery, and plans to roll out the scheme to 103 public buildings by the end of January.

The authority hopes the move, which will allow people to use their own phones, tablets and laptops at the venues, will help more residents get online.

Executive member for digital and creative technologies, Councillor Lucinda Yeadon (Lab, Kirkstall), said: “This project will be a huge leap forward for our ambition to get Leeds online and we couldn’t have picked two better pilot sites to highlight what a difference it will make.

“Wi-Fi is an integral part of life in Leeds today, and providing it for free at all our public buildings will mean we can ensure thousands more people are able to take advantage of the huge wealth of opportunities the internet can provide.

“By just popping to their local library or community centre, local people will be able to search for jobs, information or leisure opportunities on their own devices and make the internet work for them.

“The project will also be a big boost to the local economy, supporting our local businesses to connect with their customers.”

The free Wi-Fi project is part of the Super Connected Cities programme, which has already provided free public internet access at Millennium Square and Briggate.

The latest phase is especially aimed at helping people who may not have any form of internet access at home.

Wi-Fi, also spelled Wifi or WiFi, is a local area wireless technology that allows an electronic device to exchange data or connect to the internet.

Many devices can use Wi-Fi, such as personal computers, video game consoles, smartphones, digital cameras, tablet computers and digital audio players.

Such an access point, or hotspot, has a range of about 20 meters (66 feet) indoors and a greater range outdoors.