There are many libraries in Britain. Let's learn something about them.

　　Public libraries

　　Most towns in Britain have a public library. A library usually has a large selection of books and other resources, which library members can use and borrow for free.

　　Britain’s First Public Library

　　The first Britain’s public library opened in Manchester in 1852. Its first librarian was a man called Edward Edwards. Edwards attended the library’s opening ceremony and two famous writers called Charles Dickens and William Thackeray were there, too.

　　Services of library

　　Modern public libraries have something for everyone. Most of them have audio books, CDs, newspapers and DVDs as well as books to borrow.

　　How to Join a Library

　　To join a library, go to your local library and fill in a form. You'll receive a library card which is needed when using library services.

　　Mobile Libraries

　　Not everyone can get to a library. Some people live far away from towns and cities. Other people find it difficult to go out because they have an illness or a disability. Thanks to mobile libraries, these people can still borrow books.

　　The libraries are special. Unlike most libraries, which store books in buildings, mobile libraries usually keep their books in a mini-bus. The back of the mini-bus has shelves for the books, and it is big enough for borrowers to step inside and look around. A driver take the mini-bus to a certain place at a certain time, so people know when to expect it. They can return their books and borrow some more.