Fees for internet access at Hastings libraries will be the subject of more debate before a decision is made on whether to continue charging.
A significant increase in internet use at libraries in Havelock North, Hastings and Flaxmere has sparked debate by Hastings District Council over whether the service should be free.
Libraries now provide 30 minutes uncharged access for personal or course related research, homework, job searching, government sites and newspaper sites at the discretion of library staff.
But social networking, email, internet banking and general use all incur a fee of $1 for 15 minutes.
The council takes in more than $51,000 a year in internet charges - up from just over $8000 six years ago.
At a meeting last week, councillors discussed whether to continue charging or make the service free, as some libraries do elsewhere in New Zealand.
Flaxmere councillor Jacoby Poulain said internet was the way forward and everyone should be entitled to access it without charge. "I think it should be available - everything is on the internet now and people need to have access to that information," she said.
Internet use at the Flaxmere Library has increased dramatically over the past five years.
"Information is knowledge and knowledge is power that's why we need to ensure that people have access to this service and the way to do that is to remove the cost barrier."
But other councillors said it wasn't the council's role to provide free access to websites like Facebook and Trade Me.
A recent review of internet usage in Hastings libraries showed users weren't unhappy with the fee system.
"Almost without exception local users appear satisfied with the distinction between free and fee-based access and the level of service offered," the report said.
The council decided to defer the decision until after it was debated in greater depth as part of long term plan discussions this week.
Free internet in Hastings libraries up in the air
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