FLIMSY library cards have become a thing of the past in Oswaldtwistle with the introduction of the new Linnet Library Information Network.

Under the new system, borrowers can now take out books from any library in Lancashire.

The system will provide staff and borrowers with information such as lists of books out on loan, the date they are due to returned as well as authors and titles. They will also be able to access the entire Lancashire Library catalogue, detailing where books can be found and whether they are available to loan.

Library members will be issued with a plastic library card which they need to bring along when borrowing a book. Ticket numbers will be needed when renewing books, though this can be done by ringing any of the county's libraries with the Linnet System.

County Councillor Dorothy Westell, chairman of libraries and lifelong learning said: "This new technology is excellent news for Lancashire library users who will be able to benefit from greater access to the whole network.

"The service will also prove invaluable to staff, enabling them to provide an even better standard of customer care. Now that it is easier than ever to use the library I hope to see even more people making the most of Oswaldtwistle library."

County Councillor Dorothy Westell is pictured (left) with library user Joe Gordon, four, county library service manager David Lightfoot and branch librarian Susan Jabbari.