A partnership between local councils and universities that threw open the doors of three university libraries has driven hundreds of new memberships.
New figures reveal that thousands of local residents have visited libraries at De Montfort University (DMU), the University of Leicester and Loughborough University since February 2025, when local people became able to join the university libraries for free.
The initiative has transformed access to academic library resources for anyone over 18 living, working or studying in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.
The partnership - which also involves Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council - gives local residents free membership of all three university libraries. Members can borrow up to 10 books at a time, access specialist academic collections, and use open study spaces seven days a week.
Since starting in February 2025, the scheme has attracted 1,708 new members across the three universities, with the University of Leicester welcoming 1,010 new members, DMU 328, and Loughborough 370.
Across the partnership, 3,548 books have been loaned to external members since the start of 2025, while Loughborough University Library alone has recorded 2,393 visits from members of the public over the past 12 months.
Dr Simon Dixon, associate director for community and heritage at the University of Leicester, said: "By opening our doors more widely, we're creating opportunities for people to discover new ideas, reconnect with learning, and see universities as a resource that belongs to everyone."
Alan Brine, deputy director of library and student services at DMU, described the Open Libraries initiative as a natural extension of the university's civic mission. He said: "All of the units came together and said, right, let's put something together. We just say to the public, you can go in any university you like."
Cllr Vi Dempster, Leicester’s assistant city mayor for libraries, said: “It’s great to see our partnership with universities doing so well. Our three local universities are an asset to our communities, so it’s wonderful to see so many people taking the opportunity to benefit from their resources.
“This partnership is a great addition to the strong offer we have at Leicester Libraries, complementing our citywide presence in local neighbourhoods and the range of free services, events and activities we offer. If you're not already a member of our libraries, please join up now for a warm welcome.”
The project also aligns with the National Year of Reading 2026, a UK-wide Department for Education campaign calling on individuals, organisations and communities to make reading a regular part of everyday life. Find out more at goallin.org.uk.
To join the Open Libraries scheme, sign up at universitiespartnership.org/open-libraries.
Find out more about Leicester Libraries – and sign up for free, if you’re not already a member - at www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries
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