Libraries' online service is hit with residents

A new online service available for free at Manchester libraries has hit the right note with the city’s music lovers.

Manchester library members now have access to thousands of hours of jazz, classical, folk and world music thanks to the new Music Online service.
 
Manchester library members just have to log onto the website www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries and enter their ticket details to search and listen to the music for free from any computer or web-enabled phone.
 
While most of the music is available for streaming, some of the recordings are also available for download.
 
The city's library service already has access to the Naxos music streaming service, which residents used to listen to 60,000 tracks last year, but the new system provides access to more music and library bosses are hoping residents will get even more use out of it.
 
As well as music, the website also offers free downloadable eBooks and audio books, news archives, thousands of pages of reference books and encyclopaedias, business information, photographs of Manchester and even help for people taking driving theory tests.
 
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council's executive member for culture and leisure, said: "The online music service is perfect for people who are bored with the music they hear on the radio and want to find out about new music.
 
"You don't always have to pay a visit to the library to take advantage of its fantastic resources. Library members now have now more online material available to them than ever before, from home, work or anywhere they please."
 
All Manchester residents can join the library free, either by visiting the website, or calling into their local library.