People who live outside Douglas will soon be entitled to membership of its library.

The town’s council says that, with effect from April 1, they will have access to all the Henry Bloom Noble Library’s services for no membership charge.

Until now, that’s been available only to Douglas residents and residents of local authorities taking part in the shared services scheme.

The measure will see the £10 adult and £5 senior citizen annual subscription charge discontinued.

In addition to an selection of books, the Henry Bloom Noble Library provides a computer suite and study area, free wi-fi and a 24/7 online service for ebooks, eaudiobooks, emagazines and reference resources.

The council’s regeneration and community chairman Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ’By ending all library membership fees the council is making an unequivocal statement of intent.

’It is committed to ensuring there are no barriers to encouraging as wide an audience as possible in the island to benefit from the superb range of services - both "bricks and mortar" and digital - the Henry Bloom Noble Library provides.

’Libraries change lives for the better. They not only provide access to books and other literature but also help people to help themselves and improve their opportunities. The way people use libraries and their expectations of public services are changing. The council recognises that financial and demographic challenges are increasing. Standing still is not an option.

’Abolishing membership charges will attract more people to Douglas, not only to use the library but also to take advantage of the many other attractions the capital has to offer, thereby serving to boost the local economy.

’The council was therefore firmly of the opinion that the library service, fulfilling such an important community and educational role, should be freely available to everyone irrespective of their address.’

The Henry Bloom Noble Library is in Duke Street, Douglas.