Sefton Library cardholders can now borrow books from five other library services across the Liverpool City Region without paying a penny extra. The Library Light scheme, run by Sefton Council, gives residents with a Bootle Library card access to collections in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens and Wirral.
Anyone presenting a valid Sefton Library card at a participating branch can borrow up to six books, reserve another six by contacting libraries directly, and use computers and printers wherever they go. Books borrowed from another authority must be returned to the same service. Children under 16 need a parent or guardian’s consent before signing up.
The scheme first launched on 8 July 2019 after collaboration between the six boroughs, making it simpler for residents to use libraries when they live in one area but work, study or visit another. Bootle Library on Stanley Road, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm, sits just a short walk from Bootle Strand and hosts regular activities including Story & Rhymetime, Digital Drop Ins and a Writers Group.
Over the past twelve months, Sefton’s six libraries—also located in Crosby, Formby, Meadows in Maghull, Netherton and Southport—recorded around 560,000 visits. Residents borrowed over 590,000 books and audiobooks and read 313,000 newspapers, collectively saving an estimated £5.3 million compared with buying those items themselves.
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