A new service giving Norfolk library members access to digital copies of magazines and newspapers from the UK and around the world is now available and it’s all completely free.

PressReader provides access to full digital editions of nearly all major national UK newspapers, as well as a wide range of top UK magazines covering a broad range of subjects from travel and food, to politics and fashion.

Digital copies of major newspapers and magazines from around the world can be accessed in their original language, and can be translated into different languages, so people whose first language is not English can read content in their native tongue. It also has the facility to enlarge and read text aloud, making it accessible to people with visual impairments.

With e-book borrowing from Norfolk’s libraries increasing year on year, this new service will give people an even wider variety of electronic reading choices. 160,000 e-books were borrowed in 2018 compared with 110,000 in 2015, an increase of more than 45%.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “PressReader is a fantastic new digital service bringing a much wider choice of magazines and newspapers for our library members. E-reading is becoming increasingly popular and it means that people can now access magazines and newspapers direct from their own home, all for free.

Everyone can make use of this, so long as you’re a signed up library member, whether you’re studying a foreign language, trying out a new hobby, looking to keep up with news, or read your favourite magazine, PressReader is a great tool.”

There are still printed newspapers and magazines on offer at libraries, for those who prefer physical copies.

Alan Cash, a Norfolk Library member recently downloaded the PressReader app on his tablet: “I have been impressed by the huge range of publications available for free. The setup process with my library card was straightforward and the app is easy to navigate.

A real bonus has been the wide range of publications available from around the world which is excellent for anyone like me who is currently learning a foreign language. I have sent the details round to my teacher and the rest of the group as it’s a lot more engaging than reading dialogues from a text book. There’s also a handy translate option built into the app if you get stuck and a ‘listen’ function so you can hear the pronunciation.”

Anyone with a Norfolk Libraries account can access PressReader content from anywhere at any time, either via a web browser, or using the free Android or iOS app. Customers can access as many titles as they wish and download them to read offline.

 

For more information on eBooks, eNewspapers, eMagazines and eAudio, people can visit the County Council website at www.norfolk.gov.uk/ebooks