The Portland book-keeper is calling on loyal library members to loan as many books as possible over the coming weeks to assist in “lightening the load” for the city’s library team.

The team at the temporary library facility on Percy Street are preparing to move to their new premises on Bentinck Street next month and have access stock their rather not move themselves.

Libraries manager Yvette Parker said she was hoping book-lovers would lend a hand.

“With more than 26,000 books in our collection it’s fair to say this is a heavy move,” she said.

“We are urging our dedicated library members to help with the heavy lifting. But it’s not their muscle power we are calling on – we want the power of borrowing to help lighten our load.

“There is more than 11,000 kilograms of floor stock to move and we would appreciate any local assistance to reduce the amount of stock we need to relocate back to our Bentinck Street facility.

“Apart from the huge amount of books, there are also countless DVDs and magazines we would rather see being enjoyed in someone’s home, instead of being locked away in the cold confines of our removal truck.”

Ms Parker said library members will be provided an amnesty until August 7 to borrow as many items as they require.

All overdue notices and fines, usually issued after seven days from the due date, will be waived during the period.

“There will be no limit on what people can borrow during this amnesty period. We urge library members to make the most of this opportunity and enjoy the waiver period,” she said.

“We promise there will be no fines during this period. All we ask is that people help borrow to assist our staff with the big move.”

The library building will be closed from Saturday 28 July with the new facility opening to the public on August 4.