Trafford is, it understands, the first public library service to offer e-book readers to its registered customers.

This follows the launch of its e-book catalogue and is the latest development to its extensive library facilities, which make it easier and more convenient for customers of all ages to enjoy reading.

With new e-books being added each day to the council's easy access catalogue, there really is nothing stopping all local communities, young and old alike taking advantage of the availability of e-books. All they need to do is go to the Trafford Libraries homepage, www.trafford.gov.uk/libraries and follow the link.

To borrow one of the Kobo e-book readers available, customers will need to show proof of ID and leave a £20 refundable deposit. In the new service's first week, six Kobos were loaned.

Executive Councillor Alex Williams said Trafford's library service continues to provide many more opportunities for local people than just book-borrowing.

"In these difficult times the council is determined to continue finding ways of providing high quality services at a time and in a way people want and deserve. Our local libraries are a vital community resource and enable us to communicate more effectively with local people. I am delighted we seem to be leading the way nationally by offering local people e-book readers.

Many people will choose to continue visiting their library to select books, speak to customer service advisors, access community computers or carry out their own research. But for those who can't easily get to their local library, accessing our e-books catalogue will enable them to continue enjoying reading regularly."

One customer from Sale said: "I'm really excited about the service and looking forward to trying a new way of reading a 'book'."

Anyone who isn't already a registered library borrower can either pop into their local library to see a member of staff or go online and join via the library website www.trafford.gov.uk/libraries.