The change comes as part of a plan to expand the libraries’ reach into the digital realm. Wollongong City Library’s support services manager Neroli Blakeman said the changes would help the library maintain pace with an advancing society.

‘‘We’d like to get the word out there that the library is staying relevant to changes in social media, in technology and in web services,’’ she said.

The changes include free and legal music downloads, e-audiobooks and the Library Anywhere app, which allows access to the library’s catalogue to reserve or extend loans on the move.

The Burelli St branch has even embraced that ubiquitous social media site.

‘‘The library does have a Facebook page, which is an exciting new venture for us, we do get a lot of comments,’’ Ms Blakeman said.

Despite the increasing use of technology in libraries, Ms Blakeman said traditional features will not go out the window.

‘‘We will continue to have more and more as we can afford it, but we will also continue to have books on shelves,’’ she said.

Visit www.wollongong

.nsw.gov.au/libr ary for more information.