The doors might be shut but you can access e-books and e-audio items from Dorset Libraries.

E-books and e-audio books issued peaked at almost 26,000 in April, an increase of 75 per cent on same period last year, perhaps proving that there’s nothing quite like a good book to help lift your spirits or provide a bit of escapism.

The increase in Dorset is part of a national surge in e-book library loans, with recent figures showing a dramatic increase in people accessing digital titles across library services in England during the coronavirus lockdown.

Cllr Anthony Alford, Cabinet member for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said, “Our virtual library service has gone from strength to strength, with thousands of e-books, e-newspapers and e-magazines loaned and downloaded by people staying at home, up by nearly 50 per cent since lockdown began.

“As a result, we’ve invested in the service to increase the number of available titles – more than 800 new e-books and 1,400 new audio books so there’s now even more choice, with more being added each week.”

Visit www.librarieswest.org.uk.

All you need to access these digital services and resources for free are your library card number and email address.

If you’re not already a member you can join online www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/libraries/libraries.aspx

Your membership number will be sent to you and then you can get started straight away.