The new technology also allows the main libraries in south Northants to open for an extra 26 hours per week.

Books at Brackley and Towcester libraries are being fitted with Radio Frequency Identification tags which means customers can return books to any county library that has the system installed.

This frees up time for librarians, who are available more to help customers and can also travel to other libraries to cover extended hours.

Library supervisor, Rose De'Ath, said the system will not be fully operational until all books borrowed prior to the tags being fitted are returned.

She added: "Children really enjoy checking out their own books. There was some initial resistance from some older customers but they were pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use."

On Monday, June 2, library opening times across the county will be extended by 430 hours, and Towcester and Brackley libraries will each be open an extra 13 hours per week. It will mean that Towcester library will no longer be closed on a Thursday and Brackley library will be once more open on a Monday.