App offers 24/7 library access

Story lovers can now access hundreds more free eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere, with County Durham libraries online.

Library members can already download eBooks free of charge but a new contract means they can now choose from more eAudiobooks than ever before via an easy-to-use app.

As well as hundreds of thousands of hardbacks and paperbacks available from library buildings, readers can also access thousands of virtual books, from new provider BorrowBox, to read or listen to on their laptop, tablet, smart phone or e-reader.

Readers can curl up at home with the latest offerings from their favourite authors or discover new reads on the run, at any time of the day or night – all they need is an internet connection, a digital device and a library card.

Cllr Joy Allen, Cabinet member for transformation said: “There’s sometimes a perception that eBooks and eAudiobooks are only for people with visual or hearing impairments and reading difficulties, but they are also a great way to incorporate reading into a busy lifestyle, whether that’s reading by the pool on holiday, listening to a bestseller whilst driving in your car or listening to a good storyteller read a bedtime story with children and grandchildren.

“Some people can’t make it to our libraries for a variety of reasons so digital books are an exciting new way for us to bring library services to a new audiences and the BorrowBox app makes it so easy to do. I hope that this free and accessible library resource will prove popular with existing members and also attract many new members who would like to download their favourite authors’ eAudiobooks and eBooks.”

Readers can access digital titles via www.durham.gov.uk/libraries and can also now download directly from the BorrowBox Library app.