New scheme makes ‘every library a local library’

Pioneering system will allow users to borrow books from almost anywhere in the UK, using their existing membership card.

Guardian UK: From today, more than 4,000 libraries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be open to any member of the public no matter where they live, thanks to a new scheme introduced by top librarians.

Visitors will be able to borrow books from any English, Welsh or Northern Irish public library just by showing their existing library card or proof of address, meaning that “now every library is a local library”, according to the Society of Chief Librarians, which announced the news today. The Society is also looking into introducing a one-library card system for public libraries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – similar to British Columbia’s “BC One” card, which gives holders access to any library in the province. They are also looking at the possibility of visitors being able to return books to different libraries than the ones they borrowed from.

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