Anacortes Library patrons could check out books and materials from libraries in Burlington and La Conner, if the City Council approves a pilot project worked out by the three libraries.
In a memo prepared for the City Council, Anacortes Public Library director Cynthia Harrison says the agreement would also let library patrons from Burlington and La Conner check out items from the Anacortes library.
This agreement is a step further than inter-library borrowing that has existed for decades. Under this plan, an Anacortes patron, for instance, could be issued a library card for the Burlington or La Conner libraries and be able to check materials out there. The patron would be required to return the items to the same library.
“It is the long-term goal of the Skagit library directors that the libraries in the County foster greater collaboration and sharing of services,” said Harrison in her memo. She said the boards of the Anacortes, Burlington and La Conner libraries have already approved the documents.
She said “The agreements eliminate barriers to library service for patrons who travel back and forth to work or for pleasure and a convenience to them in dealing with their busy lives.”
Harrison’s memo says that Burlington and Mount Vernon libraries conducted a year-long project and that “Neither library reported a significant impact on the total operation.”
The pilot project would not, however, allow library patrons who live outside the library districts and who pay for library usage to take part.
Harrison will present her proposal at tonight's City Council meeting.