The library service is evolving, with 30,000 titles borrowed online in Surrey over the past two years.

More than 4,700 people have checked out 18,450 e-books and 11,500 e-audio books since they became available from the county council’s online library last summer.

The titles can now be downloaded on the go, with the launch of a series of free apps for smart phones.

Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos said: “We’re determined to embrace new technology to make it easier and quicker for people to access county council services while providing better value for money.

“E-readers and tablet computers are changing the way people buy, borrow and read books which is why it is so important to keep pace with new technology and meet the changing demands of library users.”

The top three most borrowed e-books from Surrey’s online library are the Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown, the Girl Who Played With Fire and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - both by Stieg Larsson.