RESIDENTS are making the most of Wiltshire Council’s online library services with the loans of eBooks on the rise.

In the last few weeks, the council says, the service has seen 177 new members and loans of eBooks are up 43 per cent.

And loans of eAudio are up 11 per cent while eMagazines are up 90 per cent compared to the same time last year.

The library service has also started online rhyme times.

The online rhyme time sessions have been viewed more than 12,400 times so far – even attracting viewers from as far away as Australia.

The leader of Wiltshire Council, Councillor Philip Whitehead, said: “Our library services continue to support people right in the heart of our communities, even if the buildings themselves aren’t in use.

“Our team is constantly thinking of innovative ways to keep the whole family connected and occupied during this time and it’s heartening to see how well received the services have been.

“Our staff have loved the response from people so far and are looking forward to doing even more.”

Wiltshire’s elibrary services can be found at wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-ebooks.

The online Rhyme Times Facebook sessions can be found on the libraries’ Facebook pages, including the Salisbury Library Facebook page.

The sessions can be watched live or are available afterwards.

Regular updates can be found by following @WiltsCouncil and @WiltsLibraries on Twitter.