I have recently developed an interest in China and things Chinese. One of the books I wanted to read was entitled 'One billion shoppers' and Southampton Library did not have a copy. What they did however was to enquire of other Libraries whether they had the book.

Fife Council in Scotland had a copy, sent it to Southampton and I collected it from the Central Library in Southampton today. There was a small charge of £1.50 for this excellent service. If I had purchased a copy the cost would have been £20 plus postage and packing assuming it was still in print.

We are lucky to have such a fine Library Service in Southampton.