KENNEWICK, Wash. – Five libraries in Eastern Washington have entered a Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement to bring wider access to books and other materials across the region.
Richland Public Library, Mid-Columbia Libraries, Walla Walla County Rural Library District, Walla Walla Public Library and Columbia County Rural Library District are all part of the agreement.
The program connects 20 libraries and branches, allowing people to access thousands of books they might not usually find.
Christopher Nulph, the manager of the Richland Public Library, explained what the program offers.
“If you get a reciprocal card, it will give you access to our physical items as well as our databases. What it will not give you access to is digital materials. These are things like ebooks, audiobooks, that are exclusive to the primary service population of that library,” Nulph said.
To participate in the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement, individuals need to provide their ID and address to get a library card. Then, with that library card, patrons can get a reciprocal borrowing card to borrow books and materials from other libraries they visit.
Residents will continue to have access to digital materials at their home library.
The agreement is set for a one-year pilot period, ending in early 2026. Library officials will review the program and decide on its future.
Kyle Wortley, an English teacher at South Ridge High School, frequently uses the Richland Library as a resource for his class.
“We bring a big bag each week, and we fill it. We fill it up,” Wortley said. “So we get about 20 books for my seven and five-year-olds. Then we usually get about 2 or 3 books for my class.”
Wortley is excited about the new opportunities across the region.
“We always wanted to go to different libraries, but we had a Richland library card. And so going to different libraries, experiencing what they have and what they have to offer is going to be great for me and my family,” Wortley added.
More information about the agreement can be found here.
