Libraries

Democratic function

Libraries in Denmark fulfil an important democratic function. Their main task is to provide citizens with equal and free access to information, knowledge and culture as well as to support their lifelong learning. The libraries thereby constitute an important foundation for freedom of thought and the democratic process.

What can the libraries offer?

A library gives you every opportunity to find inspiration and immerse yourself in cultural experiences. You can obtain a library card and use library facilities free of charge. The libraries lend out books in Danish and in other languages, magazines, audio books, CDs and films on DVD. You can also log on to the Internet via the library’s PCs free of charge, read newspapers and borrow books from other libraries.

In addition to lending library materials, the public libraries also offer other services. Most libraries also offer courses, for example in basic Internet use, in how to use email, public digital self-service solutions, social networks and much more. Helping schoolchildren with their homework is another service offered by many libraries.

In most municipalities, the public libraries provide access to downloading music, film streaming, downloading e-books, downloading audio books and access to databases, either from home or from the library’s PCs.

The libraries’ many activities also include cultural events such as author’s nights, art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, book readings, children’s films and theatre.

The Municipality of Norddjurs also has a local collection scheme whereby material which has been reserved can be collected at the following six locations: Allingåbro, Bønnerup, Fjellerup, Gjerrild, Trustrup and Vivild.

The idea is that this scheme helps citizens who live some way from a local library to obtain books etc., i.e. those without a car, the young, the elderly or busy families with young children. There is also a mobile library service, ‘Bogen-Kommer Service’, for people living in the municipality who, on account of their age, illness or disability, are unable to visit the municipal libraries. Using this service, materials can be delivered to the borrowers’ addresses.

The libraries often host art exhibitions, concerts and many other events, functioning as a place to meet and socialise for the local communities. To borrow material, it is necessary to show up in person at one of the libraries in the municipality and register as a borrower. You need to bring ID in the form of a national health insurance card, driving licence etc. which is issued by the public authorities and which includes your social security number (CPR no.). For young people under 16 years of age, a parent’s signature is required to be issued with a library card.

For further information about, for example, opening times and events, please visit the Norddjurs
libraries’ website at www.norddjurs-biblioteker.dk.