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Newcastle’s libraries are offering a helping hand to anyone desperate for a good book to read during the coronavirus lockdown – and it’s completely free.

Hundreds of new e-books and audiobooks are being made available for people to download while the city’s libraries are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

To access the huge range of titles free of charge, library card holders can simply download an app to their smartphone or tablet and login with their membership number.

People can borrow up to five titles at a time once logged on, with comics and magazines also available.

Library staff have added 240 new titles to their online collection and have also made it easier for people to sign up as a new member online, which can also be done for free, so you can get reading or listening straight away to help beat the lockdown boredom.

Coun John-Paul Stephenson, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and public health at Newcastle City Council, said: “We know that what people are being asked to do – to stay indoors other than for absolutely essential reasons – as part of the national effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus is tough.

“Looking after our mental health right now is just as important as protecting our physical health and so I’m delighted that Newcastle’s libraries are offering this service.

“Reading or listening to an e-book is something that can offer a huge amount of pleasure, and a moment’s peace, at a time when many of us really need it so I am sure many will find this service from our libraries useful.

“People across Newcastle are showing great resilience in the face of this crisis and it is only by working together to do what is required that we will reduce the spread of this disease, protect our NHS and save lives.

“This is one small way in which the city council is trying to support people through these challenging times.”

To borrow an e-book or audiobook people will need to download either the RBdigital or Borrow Box app onto their smartphone or other device. Anyone wanting to get an e-comic or e-magazine will need to use the RBdigital app.

To join the library service online visit: tiny.cc/joinonline

For more information about borrowing electronic books, magazines, comics and audiobooks visit: tiny.cc/toonEbooks