>No we don't pay to borrow a book here but if it has to be ordered in from another library then there is a charge. Also there's is usually a charge for borrowing music and film.
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In the US, most libraries belong to some sort of consortium that lets their members use all the libraries in the group, and request books from other libraries. The details vary from place to place.

For example, my township runs a small library system (4 branches) that belongs to the county library system. I can walk into any library in the county and use my library card. I can also request books from any library in the county to be delivered to my local library for me. All free. My library also has a pretty decent collection of videos (both tape and disk), which also can be borrowed for free.

In addition, the state of Pennsylvania runs what's called Access PA, which means that a member of any library in the state (and membership is free everywhere--you just have to prove residence) can use any other library in the state. However, outside your own library consortium, you may have to get a separate library card. So, I also have a card for Philadelphia's library system, which is quite extensive (though struggling in this economy).

Bottom line--I have access to a large library system, all for free.

Tamar

P.S. It does occur to me that library systems might be stronger here than elsewhere since we are right outside Philadelphia, home of the country's first lending library (like so much else here, founded by Benjaming Franklin).