LIBRARIES have increased the range of online services with the addition of an extensive classical music collection.

By visiting www.kent.gov.uk/onlinelibrary and clicking on Online Resources, then Arts and Humanities, more than 90,000 tracks are instantly available to listen to for free.

A specific artist, composer, instrument or even musical period can be searched for. There are also pre-selected themed playlists including Children’s Classics, At the Movies, Bombastic Beethoven or Dinner Party Music.

Music is streamed from an external server, allowing it to be listened to immediately instead of waiting for a download. Customers can also buy their favourite tracks using PayPal, a secure online payment facility. Individual tracks cost between £1 and £1.50.

Kent County Council cabinet member for communities, Cllr Mike Hill said: “Downloading music online is becoming increasingly popular and Kent libraries are responding to this demand by providing this exciting service.

For further information, contact KCC’s information services librarian, Frances Metcalfe, on 01622 696438.