A investment of £72,000 to bring the latest technology to library users in Darlington will be unveiled next month.

An 'e-library,' giving people access to 28 new computers, is to open at the town's Crown Street library.

The computers, along with new furniture, have been provided through funding from the New Opportunities Funding People Network and UK On-line initiatives.

Users of the e-library will be able to access the Internet and a variety of PC packages, with library staff on hand to help out.

A number of computer training courses will take place over the coming months, with content planned around feedback gained from users.

The e-library officially opens on February 3 and will be based in the former art gallery area, which has been refurbished over recent months in preparation for the opening.

The new facilities will be open to members of the public during normal library opening hours.

The first half-hour session each day is free with subsequent hourly sessions costing £2.

Concessions will be available for Leisure Pass holders.

Eleanor Lister, the council's cabinet member for education, said: "The new facility demonstrates the council's commitment to providing access to the benefits of information technology for more people."