Macquarie Regional Library has received almost $64,000 to start a collection demanded by its members.
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A grant from the NSW government will enable it to offer e-books - electronic books downloaded via the internet - for loan.
The innovation means access to stories and other works from home, holiday destination or any convenient location.
The library, a joint venture between Dubbo and three neighbouring councils, had started planning for the new service after fielding inquiries from readers.
The receipt of $63,949 from the Library Council of NSW’s Country Libraries Grant Fund gave it the means to keep pace with city counterparts that already have e-collections.
Regional library service chairwoman and Wellington councillor Anne Jones thanked the NSW government for its contribution to the E-Lending - rEaching Rural Communities Eliminating Distance program.
Its purpose was to provide equitable access to resources by all users of the service, and in particular to those in remote locations of the region, she said.
Library director John Bayliss said it was a way for people to keep up their reading, fiction or non-fiction, wherever they were.
Member for Dubbo Troy Grant congratulated Macquarie Regional Library while emphasising the importance of libraries to urban and rural communities.
“Local libraries are invaluable community assets, and I am pleased to see these worthy libraries being rewarded with grant funding,” Mr Grant said.
“Public libraries play a critical role in our communities by providing access to collections, information
and technology that help people at all stages of their lives.
“The NSW government is committed to working with councils to enhance library services and facilities across the state.”
