THE first e-magazine service has been launched by a Scots council.
The service, free for all library card holders in South Ayrshire, allows users to download their favourite glossy publications to their smart phones, tablet devices and computers.
Leading titles such as Marie Claire, HELLO!, New Scientist and NME are available and can be accessed for an unlimited time period.
The launch of e-magazines builds on the council's introduction of e-books, which has been well received by library users.
Councillor Bill Grant, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure, believes the scheme will bring the library into the 21st century.
He said: "We're determined our services will adapt, embrace and make full use of such technology for the benefit of our residents."
Pamela Dowson, a member of Troon library for more than 10 years, has welcomed the move and believes it will be popular among older members of the community.
She said: "A short time ago I was housebound after surgery and the online library service was great for me. I now own an iPad and this new app will be a really useful function on it and I intend to make full use of it."
Access to the library's e-magazine catalogue can be made via South Ayrshire Council's website and requires details from the user's library card.