Published 9th September 2022
The cost of living is going up so come down to your local library for access to free resources, including free Wi-Fi, free book loans, free computer access and more.
Joining an Inspire library is free and gives you access to a range of free resources including Wi-Fi, book loans, access to public computers, activities and groups for children and adults, eResources, exhibitions, access to study spaces, local heritage collections, and Ancestry.co.uk at the library.
In the 2021/2022 financial year, the average adult Inspire member borrowed 24 books and the average children’s Inspire member borrowed 24 books as well. With an average price of £8.99 for a paperback in a high street retailer, using your local library to borrow books for free could save individual borrowers at least £215 each year.
You can also borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers for free using our eResources platforms with your library card. Between April 2021 and April 2022, Inspire saw members borrow over 10,000 eBooks which makes the average 10 books per user and save users around £89.90 yearly.
Library members can borrow eAudiobooks for free through the Borrowbox, Overdrive and Libby apps and a basic subscription to borrow eAudiobooks would normally cost an individual £95.88.
Our libraries also have free Wi-Fi access available to members and free Public PCs that have recently been updated and are now equipped with large HD monitors and super-fast storage, so they respond quickly, have fast internet access and give you the best possible user experience.
Peter Gaw, Chief Executive Officer at Inspire said: “We are very proud of the wealth and breadth of our free resources and facilities we offer at our libraries. These free resources are even more important in the current economic climate and we hope that people in the community will come to their local library to utilise what he have on offer. ”
Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Libraries are incredible resources for local communities, offering free access to books and so much more. They are vital for people of all ages. As well as playing a key role in developing literacy skills for children via access to books and programmes such as the popular Summer Reading Challenge, libraries promote lifelong learning. Inspire’s award-winning adult education programme is a testament to the quality of our library’s offer.
“I’m proud to reflect on the successes of our library service, and all they offer to the residents of Nottinghamshire. The benefits are clear – and just one of the reasons why our library service is amongst the best in the country. I urge you to take full advantage of this great resource, right on our doorsteps.”
In addition to many free resources, Inspire libraries also offer a range of low-cost activities such as cultural events and heritage workshops, and they are also the venues for many low-cost Inspire Learning courses on a variety of subjects from arts and crafts to employability and functional skills.
