LIBRARY staff are offering themed selection of books to help users make the most of the service during lockdown.

The ‘five Recommended Reads’ service allows users to request a bag of five books, chosen by library staff based on a chosen theme such as crime and thrillers or teen and young adults.

Staff have already put together various selections based on their extensive knowledge of quality stock.

The selections can be collected from the Crown Street branch, Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm, or from Cockerton Monday to Friday, 11.30am-12.30pm.

Councillor Andy Keir said: “The new Recommended Reads service is ideal for those who perhaps miss browsing the shelves or want to try something new and would like books selected by our knowledgeable library staff. The team really has worked incredibly hard to maintain as many services as possible over the past few months and I’m sure the Recommended Reads will be a popular addition.”

The themes to choose from for the ‘5 Recommended Reads’ are crime and thrillers, horror, sci fi and paranormal, general fiction, romance, family saga and historical romance, teen and young adult, junior and pre-school.

Darlington Library continues to offer a select and collect service whereby users can order books online or by telephone and staff will get them ready for collection. It also offers a special home delivery service for residents aged over 60. Entering the building to browse or use the computers is not currently allowed.