12 July 2017

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Mobile library service

Inquiry

As a follow up to a letter to the editer regarding the mobile library service Rotorua Daily Post wanted an update:

I understand RLC has acquired a new mobile library and is fitting it out for service.

Could I please get an update as to where this is at?

- When is the new mobile library expected to hit the road?

- How much did it cost?

- How was it acquired?

- What will it feature inside?

- How is it different from the old mobile library?

- Can we arrange to get some photos of it?

Response

From Arts and Culture Director Stewart Brown:

Rotorua Lakes Council's mobile library users will receive a more personalised service in future.

The bus which was previously used has had to be decommissioned due to ongoing mechanical issues and the district has been without the service for several months while a replacement vehicle is found.

The bus will be replaced with a van which will enable the service to reach more communities and can be used in tandem with the new Mobile Learning Centre Te Waka Pounamu that is already proving popular with young and old.

Purchase of a replacement mobile library vehicle is being finalised and once we have a vehicle we will be able to reinstate the service pretty quickly as the fit-out, which is already being planned, isn't expected to take too long.

A feature of the fit-out will be removable shelving. This will provide the option of being able to take collections into schools, rest homes and community centres, making the service more accessible and allowing for the stock to be selected daily and personalised, based on where it's going on any given day. We'll be able to provide a more flexible service which will complement our other outreach library services like the service for people who are house-bound.

The library bus had been due for replacement for some time and the purchase of a replacement vehicle, a van, was brought forward due to the bus needing to be decommissioned earlier than expected.

Library staff have been reviewing library outreach services, including the mobile library service and working on a new service model. The new van will be able to be used alongside Te Waka Pounamu to access communities the bus wasn't able to get to, such as Tarawera.

The smaller vehicle means all staff will be able to drive it as they won't require a heavy vehicle licence and it will be fitted with a mobility hoist.