PLEASE NOTE that the IT Buddy sessions will NOT operate 24-31 December 2024.

We offer free one-to-one digital help sessions with our IT Buddy volunteers at several libraries.

Bletchley Library

• Tuesday 10am-12pm

Sessions are by appointment only. For more information and to make an appointment, contact Bletchley Library.

Central Library

• Monday 10am-11am
• Tuesday 10am-12pm
• Friday 11am-1pm
• Saturday 12-1pm & 2pm-4pm

Fortnightly sessions on the following Mondays 2-4pm:

• 4 November
• 18 November
• 2 December
• 16 December

All sessions are by appointment only. For more information and to make an appointment, contact library.enquiries@milton-keynes.gov.uk, phone 01908 254050 or speak to staff when you next visit.

Olney Library

• First Thursday each month 10.30am-12.30pm

Sessions are by appointment only. For more information and to make an appointment, contact library.enquiries@milton-keynes.gov.uk, phone 01234 711474 or speak to staff when you next visit.

Stony Stratford Library

• Last Friday each month 10am-12pm

No appointment necessary - just drop-in to the sessions at Stony Stratford Library.

• IELTS is the International English Language Testing System - the world’s proven English language test. You can find information about the online resources available to improve your English Language skills on our eLibrary web page.
• Learn English with the BBC
• Community Learning MK offers courses for people living in the UK whose first language is not English (ESOL). Further information can be found on the English for speakers of other languages web page.

There are a few guides available that may answer some of your questions.

• Digital Unite is an organisation that helps people to have good digital skills. They offer help and support to IT volunteers and they produce a variety of guides which you may find useful.
• Creating an email address - instructions to help you set up an email account on the Digital Unite email help web page.
• Online safety - Britannica offers an eSafety Guide for Students to help you stay safe online.

Are you just starting to use the Internet? Here are some interesting and useful websites recommended by the Milton Keynes libraries.

• BBC
• BBC adults learning page
• BBC iPlayer
• Ability Net - enabling disabled people to use digital technology
• Digital Unite - computer training for over 50s
• GOV.UK - government services
• Microsoft Digital Literacy
• Money Saving Tips
• Money Off Vouchers and other bargains
• Google search engine
• NHS UK
• Train times and fares
• Vision2Learn - Online Courses and Learning
• YouTube

There are also guides and information available from National Digital Inclusion Network which offers guidance for tutors wanting to help older people improve their digital skills.

• FutureLearn - online courses and learning
• Learn English with the BBC
• Vision2Learn - online courses and learning
• Citizens Advice Bureau (Milton Keynes) – advice and information on resolving legal, financial and other problems or situations. They offer a Digital Skills Service to help you improve your digital skills and develop your confidence using the internet and online services.
• Digital Skills Service with Milton Keynes Citizens Advice as part of the National Digital Inclusion Network.
• Learn My Way – online courses offering help for computer basics, Internet banking or shopping and job searching.
• Digital Unite – online guides, courses and computer tutors.
• Age UK in Milton Keynes – dedicated to supporting people in later life. Free Digital Support Service is offered to help older people engage safely and securely in the digital world.
• Excel Easy – free fully illustrated Microsoft Excel tutorial with over 300 examples.
• OpenLearn - free learning from The Open University.

We are working in partnership with Cisco NetAcad to provide a range of free online courses designed to help progress your career in IT.

Community Learning MK offers learning, support and guidance for adults wanting to learn new skills. Many courses are free. Visit the Adult Learning web page for more information.

Community Learning MK also offers courses for people living in the UK whose first language is not English (ESOL). Further information can be found on the English for speakers of other languages web page.

• GOV.UK – government services and information including HMRC, child benefit and submitting self-assessment tax returns.
• National Cyber Security Centre - government site with guidance and resources to keep you safe online.
• NHS choices – find your local GP or get information through an A-Z of Health.
• Federation of Small Businesses – business and legal advice for the self-employed and owners of small businesses.
• Money advice service – free and impartial money advice, set up by government.
• Get Safe Online – information about online safety.
• History - BBC