Book lovers used Surrey County Council’s online library more than 4m times in the past financial year, a rise for 20 per cent on the previous year.

The online usage has outstripped visits to library branches with users choosing to download e-books and magazines online.

Helyn Clack, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “Our libraries are undergoing a digital revolution and they have become much more than a place simply to borrow books.

“However, our libraries will always be a haven for people who want to study, research or simply browse the bookshelves for a good read while also being community hubs for the likes of children’s events and activities for older people and that’s why we’re continuing to invest in branches.”

The county council’s library service has made other digital developments which including an app that allows readers to find and reserve a book by scanning its barcode and a virtual library that lets people visit a branch from anywhere.

Libraries across the county are also being updated, with plans for new facilities at Cobham library.