LIBRARY users in Wiltshire are being given more choice in what they can borrow.

From this week, the number of items Wiltshire County Council library users are able to take home with them increases from eight to 12.

The move helps the library service meet the National Library Standards that are set by the Government.

These have to be met by April 2004.

The standards state that people should be able to borrow at least eight books at any one time.

Although library users have been able to borrow up to eight items if all of these were books, they would then not have been able to take advantage of the full range of items that are available.

Many libraries in Wiltshire also stock a wide selection of videos, DVDs, CDs, and Playstation games, as well as story cassettes and other items.

Under the new borrowing allowance they will be able to borrow virtually any combination of items they like.

The only restriction is that where Playstation games are available only two such items can be borrowed at the same time.

Principal librarian Monte Little said: "This will allow library users in Wiltshire to take home a much wider range of items."

Malmesbury librarian Carolyn Kennedy said: "There is a lot more in libraries than people realise. We now have options for both young and old.

"Library members can borrow eight items of books, videos CDs and Play station games now they will be able borrow up to 12 items in total.

"For Playstation, only one can be borrowed on their ticket at one time."