Hungarian National Library to Launch Lending Services in Autumn 2024

The Hungarian National Library is set to become a lending library starting next autumn, allowing patrons to borrow books that have been stored in at least two copies over the past 70 years, totaling nearly one million volumes. The library aims to enhance access to public domain works by providing digital services and making copyrighted content available for on-site reading. Additionally, the library has launched the MEK+ service, offering over 12,000 digitized titles, with plans to expand this collection. This shift aligns with practices observed in various European national libraries, most of which also serve as lending institutions.

• The National Library will start lending books in autumn 2024.
• Nearly one million titles will be available for borrowing.
• The MEK+ service provides access to over 12,000 digitized works.
• The library emphasizes making public domain and copyright-protected materials accessible.