No library fines for borrowing books on Kindle and iPad (From Wimbledon Guardian)
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No library fines for borrowing books on Kindle and iPad from Merton Council
5:50pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News By Omar Oakes
Coun Nick Draper, with Coun John Bowcott and Anthony Hopkins, Merton's head of libraries, at Raynes Park library
Libraries took a further step into the digital age this week and will offer a range of electronic books, encyclopaedias and magazines – which will never incur library fines.
Merton Council said library users will now have access to over 20,000 titles, which can be automatically renewed at any time of day for use on e-readers, smartphones or computers.
Public computers are also being upgraded by May, when wireless internet is also expected to be available at all libraries.
Cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said: “Not only have our libraries managed to stay open in these difficult times, they are going the extra mile to meet the needs of their customers and make the library experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible.
“Merton’s libraries are considered to be amongst the best in London as they are very well run and really provide a great service to the local community with the help of our fantastic army of volunteers.
“These technological advances and 24 hour access to library resources add greatly to that service and I hope everyone makes the most of it.”
Users can borrow up to five e-books at any one time for a period of up to 21 days. The eMagazine service holds over 50 titles and, unlike e-books, can be kept after being downloaded and there is no download limit.
