The staff service provided as described by Surreysinger sounds very impressive and for anyone interested in research or study exceedingly useful. I wasn't aware of this service before.

But it is clearly described on the website!! if you want to read for pleasure - as a member of the society there are books you can take out.

And as for libraries being free - here in Sheffield the library service has been struggling under constant financial restraint. I would guess more closures will come along now.