Public libraries 'open to all'
People can borrow books from anywhere in the UK as part of the scheme
A major UK-wide initiative has been launched that brings a very new meaning to the concept of public libraries.
From today, people can borrow books from more than 4,000 libraries regardless of where they live, by either showing staff membership cards for other sites or proof of their address.
However, the only catch to the whole scheme unveiled by the Society of Chief Librarians, which is responsible for the development of public libraries, is that borrowed books must be returned to the location they were taken from.
According to the BBC, it is hoped the initiative could help libraries attract people who often to buy paperbacks or other content from online sellers or browse novels while having a coffee in a bookshop.
While the move may be welcomed by many, it is not the first of its kind to be introduced in the UK. Areas including the north-west of England have already chosen to abolish the need for borrowers to have identification.
Fiona Williams, chairman of the Society of Chief Librarians, said: "We want people to know that all libraries are open to them, not only the libraries where they live.
"This is an important step towards making libraries even more accessible to all."
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Comments
Great news! Hopefully this will bring people back to our fantastic libraries
Fantastic initiative. I don't use my library largely because it doesn't stock the books i want but this gives me a real incentive to use their books. All adds to being a bit greener and saving me cash too!