HOMEMAKER Angeline Kwan will need a bigger bag for all the library books she will be carting home when she visits the library next month.

From July 1, basic library members will be able to sign out six library items - this includes books and up to two CDs or DVDs - from the library.

Currently, the limit is set at four, and restricted to books only.

Voracious readers may even consider a new Premium Plus library membership that lets them take out 16 books - including up to eight CDs or DVDs - at a fee of $42 a year.

Audiovisual materials and more comics will also be made available in libraries in shopping malls.

The new changes were announced on Thursday at the National Library Board's Customer Appreciation Day event at the Woodlands Regional Library.

Mrs Kwan's 15-year-old son, Benedict, won an award in the youth category for chalking up the most number of loans over the financial year of 2008.

There to collect the award on her son's behalf, Mrs Kwan said she never expected the prize even though she visits the library every day to get books for her family of voracious readers.

NLB chief executive Dr N Varaprasad said the changes reflect the needs, learning styles and expectations of library users today.

NLB has also organised a range of activities at public libraries since May 23 that includes tea sessions to gather feedback from library users.

'The response from our customers has been very encouraging,' said Dr Varaprasad. 'Through book-based activities, performances and so on, we will also reach otu to those who have yet to visit and use our libraries.'