ST HELENS library card holders can use facilities across the regio from next week, it has been announced.

A new service means that people can use St Helens library cards to use any other library across the Liverpool City Region.

Library Light will launch on Monday, July 8 and means existing customers can access all libraries across the city region with their current library card.

People can present their library card, and provide a name, address and contact number.

Libraries across the region, covering the local authority areas of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral, have worked together to explore new ways to make it easier for customers of one service to be able to use the other libraries too.

Library Light will let people:

• Borrow up to six books from any neighbouring library services – you will need to return those books to the library authority you borrowed them from.

• Reserve up to six books from any library in the Liverpool City Region by contacting them directly.

• Access PCs and printers (charges may apply for printing).

Library Light is available for all ages. People under 16 will need to provide parental/guardian consent. Residents who are not currently library customers only need to join one library service to access Library Light.

Cllr Anthony Burns, cabinet member for public health, leisure and libraries, said: “Our libraries provide much more than just books that includes award-winning arts programme, heritage and family sessions.

"They are a great community asset and we are delighted to be extending the services we offer across the Liverpool City Region. Being able to visit and use any library with your existing library card will give everyone the chance to make the most of the diverse range of services available across the region.”