Although library branches are closed in the current lockdown restrictions, Shropshire Libraries will still be offering Ready Reads, a ‘click & collect’ style service offering tailored book choices selected by library staff.

To use Ready Reads customers can complete an online form that includes questions about what sort of books are preferred.

Based on that information library staff will put together selections of books then contact the customer once they’re ready to collect.

The form is available at https://shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/ready-reads-collect/ or by calling a participating libraries.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said: “We know that many customers discovered library e-books for the first time during the previous lockdown so I would urge people to take and look and see what’s there, all available free of charge.”

Michael Lewis, Shropshire Council’s library service manager added: “We offered Ready Reads earlier in the year as we reopened libraries after the first lockdown. The service proved popular with our customers and we loaned several thousand books in this way.

“Many people found they were enjoying books they might not have come across otherwise, so their reading horizons were expanded even though libraries were closed.”