National boost for Swansea library card holders

Swansea library card holders are now able to access thousands of libraries throughout the UK.

A scheme announced by the Society of Chief Librarians means public libraries in Wales, England and Northern Ireland are now open to any member of the public for use, regardless of where they live.

This means customers are able to borrow books, rent DVDs, surf the internet or access classes in over 4,000 libraries simply by taking their library card with them on their travels.

The announcement comes as the Society of Chief Librarians also looks at the feasibility of introducing a one library card system similar to the system in British Columbia in Canada.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "We hope this scheme will encourage people to take a fresh look at library services.

"Here in Swansea we have a number of visitors who are on holiday in the area and many come into one of our libraries to ask for local information. Now these customers can borrow something for a bit of holiday reading or maybe use the computer services to send an e-mail back to the family.

"If visitors get a chance to see what's on offer in Swansea I'm sure they will want to visit their local libraries. After all, there's not much you can get for free nowadays and libraries offer access to a huge range of free resources.

"This scheme will also prove hugely beneficial to Swansea library card holders when they're in other parts of the country."

Recent investments in Swansea include the refurbishment of community libraries such as Gorseinon, Pontarddulais and Gowerton thanks to funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

SCL President Fiona Williams said: "Libraries are a public service for everybody.

"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."

Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/libraries for more information on Swansea's Library Service or call 01792 636464.