The Dearborn Public Library's reciprocal borrowing program with Dearborn Heights will likely continue, the library announced this month.

The Library Commission unanimously approved the continuation at its Jan. 13 meeting. The partnership will have to also be approved by Dearborn City Council at an upcoming meeting to become official.

Dearborn library Director Maryanne Bartles said that the program has been successful thus far.

"(Dearborn Heights library Director) Michael (McCaffery) and I are pleased with the arrangement and want to do this arrangement for two years," she said.

The agreement would need to be renewed again by March of 2014, or else would expire at that time.

Originally approved in January of 2011 for a one-year trial period, the program gives residents of both cities access to five libraries, including three in Dearborn and two in Dearborn Heights.

Bartles said that the Dearborn Public Library has signed up 698 Heights residents, while the Heights system has registered 769 Dearborn residents as a result of the agreement.

Those totals do not include residents of either city who had a library card at the other system prior to the reciprocal borrowing program.

"Both communities, prior to the agreement, did allow residents of the other community to get a free library card if they work, own property or go to school in the community," Bartles explained.

Additionally, the Dearborn Public Library does not have a way of determining how many of those signups in Dearborn Heights are due to the Sept. 2 closure of Dearborn's Snow Branch Library.

Library cards for either system can be obtained by visiting the branches and showing proof of Dearborn or Dearborn Heights residency. Residents will be permitted to check out books, access the Internet and attend programs at all library branches.