Surrey County Council have signed a new contract which will provide free Wi-Fi in all libraries across the county, while saving taxpayers £1.6 million over the next seven years.

The new deal with contractor Aixell will save £230,000 a year compared to the old contract, also held with Aixell, which cost £1.46million a year and will include the installation of self-service counters, new computers and printers.

Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for community services and the 2012 games, said: “Value for money is essential and we have struck a deal that provides library users with a better service for less cost.

“Modern technology means people are using libraries in different ways so we must keep apace and I’m certain free Wi-Fi access will prove very popular.

“We will also be developing our online library and eBook service which is being used widely.” The new deal will be introduced in December.