Tophill Library on Portland has gone hi-tech with the introduction of a self-service withdrawals desk.

The library, in Easton, is the latest to be fitted with the facilities by Dorset Library Service.

Regulars – including mums and toddlers and Echo correspondent Hilda Swinney – were among the first to try out the new technology.

New library manager Sharon Mitchell was on hand to show them how to register their books for withdrawal.

Andrew Cattaway, who is Dorset County Council cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “The self-service points are easy to use and I’m sure local people will quickly get to grips with them.

“The machines are the kind of modern technology that people expect when they walk into a Dorset County Council library.

“The introduction of self- service also has the added benefit of giving staff more time to share their expertise with visitors and help them get the most out of their time at the library.”

The library’s new user-friendly technology provides customers with quick, easy and independent access to library stock, including books and DVDs.

The aim is also to free staff from routine tasks, letting them spend more time helping readers with detailed or complex inquiries and providing a better service for everyone.

The self-service technology is part of a modernisation programme being carried out by the county council across its libraries.

Further self-service systems are to be introduced in other libraries countywide.

The library was closed for a week while the machines were fitted and the premises were revamped.

Mrs Swinney officially re-opened the library.

She said: “I feel very honoured to be asked to reopen the new-look Tophill Library.

“I consider libraries to be the greatest single benefit for education for the ordinary people.

“At any place I have lived, and I have lived in lots of places, I have two priorities, one is to the join the library and the other is to order the local paper.”