As libraries move into the digital age, it’s important that we continue to expand and improve the number of digital services available to library users.

Thousands of new users have already benefitted from Manchester’s extensive free collection of e-books and audio books.

This month, our libraries will be adding two free new e-services to our online portfolio, Comicsplus and Transparent languages.

ComicsPlus is an online streamed service offering a wide range of unabridged comics and graphic novels.

High quality Images can be streamed direct to your internet ready device and titles can even be viewed using a Smart TV.

The service offers unlimited simultaneous 24/7 access to over 19,000 titles from 93 publishers, with content to suit all ages including Manga titles.

This easy to use new service boasts access to many titles that are hard to find elsewhere, such as the very first Popeye comic.

Titles can be borrowed over a seven day period and users will be able to browse all titles in a series at the same time.

Apple users can also read saved images offline using an iOS app, with an app for Android users expected later this year.

ComicsPlus can be a useful tool for reading groups as each title can be viewed by any number of users at the same time. This of course means there’s no need to wait for titles to be returned by other users before they can be viewed.

Another new addition to our digital catalogue is Transparent Language, an online learning package offering more than 100 language courses.

The package offers over 90 foreign language courses and more than 25 courses for English learners delivered in their own first language.

These simple to use courses will suit all learners from beginner through to A-Level standard.

Users can learn as many languages as they like, at their own pace and can sync each course across a range of devices.

Courses can be enjoyed by an unlimited number of users making this an ideal resource for ESOL classes or Community groups.

These two new services make a welcome addition to our free digital catalogue which now offers audio books, e-books and e-magazines, e-comics, and e-language courses.

For more information about Manchester’s libraries visit http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200062/libraries/6657/get_an_e-book_or_audio_book