North-east librarians have revealed their delight that the Pokemon Go craze which has swept the world is now luring youngsters back to books.
The game encourages players to use their mobile phones to track down and catch virtual monsters in the real world.
Produced by US-based games developer Niantic for Japanese video game giants Nintendo, Pokemon Go has been downloaded an estimated 100million times.
Now Aberdeenshire librarians have had their say on the craze.
The council’s library services manger, Sharon Jamieson, said: “Since the game was released in the UK, we’ve become more and more aware of strange new creatures visiting our libraries in Aberdeenshire.
“Pokemon were first spotted at Fraserburgh Library and just last week the parents and children who attended a crafts session at Cruden Bay Library were very excited to be joined by some.
“Our doors are open to children and adults alike and we’re inviting anyone who wants to use our free wifi to catch a Pokemon or two to visit.”
So far the virtual pocket monsters have been spotted in Stonehaven where at least three people have rejoined the library having not visited since their children were toddlers.
Fraserburgh Library is a “Pokestop” and there’s a “gym” at the church directly across the road.
And librarians have revealed that Cruden Bay Library has a few regulars who have visited in their hunt to catch Pokemon.