A new initiative is being launched to enable Nottingham and Derby residents to access library services in both cities.
From Monday 2 October 2017, Nottingham library users can borrow stock from Derby libraries and vice versa. Customers can also return stock to either a Derby or Nottingham City library, irrespective of which library they borrowed the item(s) from. Membership will bring with it full access to both authorities’ library stock and services including e-resources and computers.
This collaborative approach between Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council will benefit local people who travel between the cities and be especially beneficial to citizens who work in one city and live in another. Derby library users can also now register free of charge for the Nottingham Performing Arts Library Service (lending fees apply).
The joint library offer is the latest initiative to result from the Derby Nottingham Metro Strategy 2030, which is leading to the two cities working together to improve opportunities for residents, business and visitors to each city.
A gym and swim offer was launched in July which means people with council gym and swim membership in one city can also get gym and swim membership in the other city so they can use council facilities there at no additional cost. Derby and Nottingham residents were also able to get discounted bus travel on trentbarton services to travel to selected events in each city over the summer.
The Metro Strategy sets out a vision of what the Derby and Nottingham area will look like by 2030, supported by a three year action plan that identifies areas for immediate action as well as establishing a framework for longer term collaboration.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “Following the gym and swim and the events travel offer, libraries is another service where we can bring added benefits to Nottingham and Derby residents through the two city councils working together as part of the Metro strategy.”
Councillor Amo Raju, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “This joint offer represents a great opportunity for local library users to benefit from our collaborative working with Nottingham City Council, as part of the ambitious Metro strategy. If you work in Nottingham then you can make use of their libraries any time you need to”.
Library membership cards from each authority will be used as proof of eligibility to join the other Local Authority’s library service. Nottingham and Derby library users will therefore have individual library membership cards for each authority allowing them to access full services in both cities.
One of the key advantages of this scheme is that items borrowed from either authority will be able to be returned to any library in Nottingham and Derby cities. Library users in both authorities will be able to place holds on stock and will also be able to access the stock of partner authorities such as Derbyshire County Council and Inspire, who deliver a public library service, on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.
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