A new strategic plan for Hamilton City Libraries will see a shift in how libraries are used, including a focus on eBooks.
Currently eBooks account for less than one per cent of all issues, but this is set to rise as people begin to rely on eReaders and other technology to consume books.
There has been a more than 100 per cent increase in the use of WIFI at Hamilton City Libraries, jumping from 51,000 sessions in 2010-12 to more than 105,000 in 2013-14.
Hamilton City Council's's new strategic plan for 2015-2025 has been adopted by the council, following a nine-month process to analyse existing Hamilton City Libraries facilities and services, and explore ways to ensure Hamiltonians have access to a modern and dynamic libraries service.
The aim of the plan is to set a new direction for the library service, but funding is still not known and will be considered at part of the 10-year plan.
More detail will follow in the second phase of the project, where it is proposed a facilities plan be developed, or existing plans such as the Libraries Digital Plan be reviewed and updated using the knowledge gained from this plan.
Councillor Andrew King, who chaired the working group, which oversaw the development of the plan, says providing a modern library service for the city is vital.
"The plan outlines how Hamilton's libraries can become community hubs for literacy, learning and creativity. The plan also identifies ways we can optimise developing technologies in our libraries service, continue to efficiently and effectively steward the city's resources, and support literacy and reader development."
To download a copy of the plan, visit www.hamilton.govt.nz/loveyourlibraries.