New e-book app for Renfrewshire Libraries

YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to steam ahead and read a children’s adventure story set on a train on a new e-book app they can get from Renfrewshire Libraries.

The free-to-use BorrowBox e-book and audio book app gives people of all ages the chance to read or listen to the libraries’ many e-books on mobile devices or computers.

Between April 1 and May 31 there will be unlimited copies of The Highland Falcon Thief available for children to download and enjoy reading or listening to wherever they are.

Written by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman, with illustrations by Elisa Paganelli and published by Pan Macmillan, the books tells how a boy called Harrison and his uncle encounter a mystery jewel thief, while they are on board a train making its way around the country.

More than 893 youngsters who are members of Renfrewshire Libraries have already signed up with BorrowBox to read The Highland Falcon Thief and there are plenty more copies of the book available to borrow on the app.

If anyone is not already a library member, they can join online and download the BorrowBox app by visiting www.renfrewshirelibraries.co.uk or by contacting their local library.

Pupils in primary and secondary schools can also take part in a competition to win a set of the books for their school by creating a piece of artwork related to the story.

These should be emailed to libraries@renfrewshire.gov.uk or physical copies given into any local or school library by the May 31. Winners will be announced on the June 10 and copies of entries will be displayed in all public and school libraries.

Joyce Higgins, Digital and Library Development Manager with OneRen – the local charitable trust providing cultural, leisure and sporting opportunities to help people enjoy active and healthy lives – said:

“We’ve had significant growth in usage of our e-book and e-audio platforms during the last few years.

“Borrowbox is our newest platform to share with adults and children and we are delighted that so many children and their families have the opportunity to simultaneously read and listen to the same book.

“And we’re looking forward to seeing the creativity of all the young people as part of this project.”