University libraries open to public for first time

Universities in Leicestershire have launched a scheme to open their library doors to non-students for the first time.

Libraries at University of Leicester, De Montfort University (DMU) and Loughborough University will be available to anyone who lives, works or studies in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.

Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council are all involved in the partnership.

People will be able to access library services seven days a week, borrow up to 10 books at a time from any of the university libraries and use open study spaces.

Leicester City Council said people will now be able to become members of the university libraries for free and have "increased availability" of library services.

The council said college and sixth form students can also access separate membership options.

The library scheme comes after a new Universities Partnership was launched in June 2022 between the three universities and local councils to work together for the "benefit of local people and for local prosperity".

Paul Angrave, from the Universities Partnership, said: "Universities are fantastic assets to their regions and by opening their library doors to local people, we are not only welcoming them on to our campuses – we are providing a wonderful additional service."

Christine Radford, Leicestershire County Council's lead member for adults and communities, added: "I hope local people are able to make the best of what our fantastic universities have to offer and take advantage of this new partnership."

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