Youngsters given easy access to libraries in Shanghai

Primary and secondary schools students with a passion for reading can now use their electronic ID cards to borrow books from the Shanghai's public libraries.

Under a ruling made jointly by the Shanghai Library and Shanghai Education Commission, youngsters are allowed to borrow up to 10 books at a time from any of the city's 237 public and community libraries, officials said yesterday.

The system is designed to make it easier for schoolchildren to access learning materials as well as encouraging them to read more, they said.

Previously, students were required to apply for a membership card at Shanghai Library and pay a 100 yuan (US$16) deposit to be able to access the city's lending facilities.