The Isle of Wight Council is inviting feedback on proposed changes to its Mobile Library Service, reducing the number of locations it visits and the frequency of visits.
The Council is writing to regular users and town and parish councils in the potentially affected areas, to inform them of the planned changes and to seek their views.
The proposals have arisen out of a consultation on options for the Library Service in 2015, including possible mobile service reductions.
The proposed changes would reduce the number of stops from 77 to 53, focusing on those stops which are least used. There would also be a change in the frequency of visits from 3-weekly to 4-weekly, with the borrowing period for items adjusted to reflect this.
The planned changes have arisen because the Mobile Library Service, like other Council services, is faced with making further savings because of the Council’s extreme financial position. Some other areas of the country have ceased their mobile services altogether.
Executive member responsible for libraries, Councillor Shirley Smart, said:
“It is with great regret that the council’s financial position has meant this proposed reduction in the number of locations visited by the service. However, unlike other parts of the country we remain determined to continue the service, and to do so as best we can within our limited resources.”
The service currently operates a 3-weekly schedule. If the proposals are accepted, this will increase to 4-weekly – with 2 weeks for the mobile library schedule, and 2 weeks for the Home Library Service schedule.
Data shows that a total of 650 residents borrowed items from the Mobile Library Service across the Island in 2015.
For the 24 stops proposed for removal from the round, there are a total of 32 regular customers. These users are being written to, with a range of alternative options suggested. One of these is the Home Mobile Library Service, if the other options are not feasible for them.
The options are:
• encouraging use of their nearest alternative mobile stop, if possible;
• encouraging use of branch or community libraries;
• encouraging use of online services (eg e-books, e-audio books);
• apply to be taken on by the Home Library Service if any of the other first three options are not viable.
The Library Service is also working with AgeUK IW to have its Home Library Service clients taken on by the AgeUK IW ‘Good Neighbour’ volunteers. The intention is to have enough of these clients transferred over in 2017 to allow the mobile library schedule to return to 3-weekly by the end of the year.
Good Neighbours already visit all the Home Library Service customers in Newport, and by the end of September it is hoped they will be visiting all the customers in Ryde. Good Neighbours can call when the customers require, and can spend more time with users, and can advise them about other AgeUK services to improve their lives.
Councillor Smart said:
“As part of the changes we are trying to offer alternatives to those users affected, including, where appropriate, the Home Mobile Library Service. We are also working with Age UK to develop our home mobile library scheme.
“We would encourage those affected to reply with their views, and to contact the Library Service on (01983) 823824 for further advice and reassurance.”
The reduction in the Mobile Library Service will save £23,500 annually, or the equivalent of 1 full-time post.
In its letter to affected users, the Council is inviting feedback by 30th September.
Featured photo: Liz Ashe/Freeimages.com
