New scheme opens libraries to anyone, regardless of address

Resources at libraries throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland are to be made available to everyone, regardless of whether or not they live in the catchment area.

The scheme has been introduced by the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) and means people will be able to use all the usual library resources at more than 4,000 libraries, including DVD rental and use of internet facilities.

Many people choose to take advantage of free internet services in local libraries for job-hunting and CV development, while cost savings can be pursued with a home internet connection by using VoIP solutions and doing food shopping online.

Fiona Williams, president of the SCL, 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."

The government plans to provide every UK home with a broadband connection of at least two megabits per second by 2012, which could enable more people to use VoIP hardware.