THIS month will see Hillingdon's libraries expanding their range of titles even further into virtual space and launching a new innovative free service for library members to enjoy.

The Bloomsbury Public Library Online is the latest addition to the library services' online resources and will allow Hillingdon's library members access to themed digital bookshelves, allowing them to read a wide variety of titles without leaving the comfort of their own homes.

Councillor Henry Higgins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure said: "Hillingdon's libraries are always looking for new technologies to compliment traditional books and the new Bloomsbury Public Library Online is a great resource for our members.

"From Shakespeare and Faber poetry to Britain and its Empire, from crime and paranormal romance to parenting - there really is something for everyone's tastes."

Uxbridge library will be hosting a number of 'Words Beyond Books' events throughout January where library members can find out more about this new service.

The first will be held on Friday 14 January between 10.30am and 12.30pm when members can discover the wide variety of formats that books are now available in - listen to a Playaway, pick up a graphic novel, find out about the new Bag Books multi-sensory story packs or enjoy the beautiful illustrations and photos in the Pictures to Share books.

From 2pm until 5pm another informal drop-in session is inviting people to 'meet the experts'. Learn more about the entire range of Hillingdon libraries' quality online reference library, including resources from the Oxford University Press, Bloomsbury, Britannica and Credo.

Finally, the official Hillingdon launch of the Bloomsbury Public Library Online will be held on Wednesday 19 January at 7.30pm at Uxbridge Library and everyone is welcome at this celebration of literature.

Enjoy an evening of Shakespeare and sonnets. Listen to readings of some of the Bard's best known scenes by Ruislip Dramatic Society and Stars at Knight, followed by a selection of poetry from the online libraries digital shelves. Those attending will be given the opportunity to get involved by taking to the mic to read their favourite poem and all will be able to try out the new Bloomsbury public library online service for themselves. Refreshments will be provided.

Find out more about Hillingdon's libraries at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/libraries