Shropshire libraries turn to ebooks

It is the latest move by libraries to attract business and drive up the number of people using their services.

All libraries run by Shropshire Council will offer electronic lending from next year, enabling people to download information to tablets and mobile phones.

Powys County Council has already introduced "ebook" downloads.

And Telford & Wrekin Council today said it would be looking to see how the Shropshire launch goes with a view to doing the same. Nationally 439 libraries have closed since 2010, although none have been in Shropshire or Powys.

Teresa Eccleston, area librarian for Oswestry and north Shropshire, said the council was looking to launch the scheme in the next 12 months. She said: "People will have to be a member of the library. But then they can log into a website, choose a book and download it to their tablet or computer.

"The book will remain there for a certain time, say three weeks, before it disappears."

In Mid Wales, library users can borrow up to six ebooks at a time on their tablet device, which disappear after three weeks.

John Evans, Powys County Council spokesman, said: "It is something which has proved to be incredibly popular already."

Charlotte Dade, spokeswoman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said it was something it will be looking into.

Libraries hope they will benefit after more people received electronic tablets as Christmas presents.