Merton’s award-winning libraries continue to make more of their services available to customers on a 24 hour basis after the launch of new technology initiatives this week.

Merton Library customers can now access their favourite reading material around the clock through a range of e-books, e-encyclopaedias and e-magazines that can be viewed on e-readers, phones and computers. Following the successful rollout of e-mail pre-notifications for overdue books and an automated 24/7 renewal and enquiry line, customers now have access to over 20,000 titles in electronic formats available either as e-books or e-magazines. These e-resources can be borrowed with the added benefit of never having to incur any library fines. On top of this customers have access to a range of e-encyclopaedias and study materials available for a range of different interests and levels.

Merton’s libraries are also ensuring that their computers and technology are up to speed with all public computers being upgraded by May 2013 and Wi-Fi will also be introduced in the coming months.

Cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said: “Not only have our libraries managed to stay open in these difficult times, they are going the extra mile to meet the needs of their customers and make the library experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible, which is all down to the excellent and visionary management of the libraries. Merton’s libraries are considered to be amongst the best in London as they are very well run and really provide a great service to the local community with the help of our fantastic army of volunteers. These technological advances and 24 hour access to library resources add greatly to that service and I hope everyone makes the most of it.”

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