Access a world of literature with one card
Book-lovers across Perth and Kinross will soon be able to use just one card for all libraries in a number of areas across Scotland.
The scheme is being piloted in the region and other areas for six months and those behind the move hope it will encourage more people to use libraries by removing the need to apply for visitor passes to those further afield.
This comes as the Scottish Government was granted £15,000 from the public library improvement fund in an effort to start new creative and innovative projects in libraries across the country.
As well as in Perth and Kinross, the pilot is also being run in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus and Highland local authority areas.
Morag Kelly, libraries manager at Culture Perth and Kinross, said:“We’re delighted to be part of the one library card pilot.
“This simple but innovative idea will make it easier for keen readers, students or researchers to borrow books whilst on holiday, visiting relatives or travelling with work.”
South Perthshire and Kinross-shire MSP Roseanna Cunningham said:“It is great news that library users in Perth and Kinross will now have access to 120 libraries and 1.6 million books across the five local authorities in Scotland that are piloting the new one card library pass.
“Public libraries are an integral part of our local communities - offering a place to borrow books, access free wifi, computers and socialise - and we believe everyone should have access to these services, wherever they are in Scotland.”
She continued:“I am delighted, therefore, that Perth and Kinross is to be involved in this project from the outset. Indeed, it is absolutely appropriate that it should be, with Perthshire having been in the vanguard of the library movement. Innerpeffray Library, near Crieff, in my constituency holds the distinction of being the oldest free public lending library in Scotland, dating from 1680.
“The collection at Innerpeffray is fascinating and well worth a visit. Although I should point out that, not being a council library, it will not be part of the one card scheme.
“Libraries can empower communities, helping tackle inequality, reduce isolation and boost the local economy, and I hope that this new one card scheme will encourage more people to take advantage of our public library services across Scotland.”
Should the six month trial prove a success, the one card scheme could be rolled out all over Scotland.
Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council, added:“One of the fundamental defining characteristics of public libraries is that they are open to everyone.
“No-one is turned away from a library, there is no joining fee, and anyone can use a library and its services, regardless of age and background.
“The one card pilot will further improve access by removing barriers between services, and will hopefully encourage more people to take advantage of our public library service.”