NEW LEWIS MOBILE LIBRARY VEHICLE

Following hard on the (w)heels of the new Harris Mobile Library vehicle which went into service during the summer, comes a second brand new vehicle, this time to deliver a mobile library service to the rural communities of Lewis.

Bob Eaves, Chief Librarian said: “This new vehicle is almost identical to the one we acquired earlier this year to serve the people of Harris and Lochs. People have appreciated the brighter interior and the newer stock. The hydraulic step lift which can accommodate wheelchair access is proving very helpful.”

The Comhairle’s Public Library Service caters for the educational, recreational, cultural and information needs of the wider community. The Mobile Library takes this service into the very heart of rural and remote communities. It also provides a library service to the elderly and the housebound, and it circulates a variety of materials to schools in support of the curriculum.

The new Lewis Mobile Library vehicle replaces one which has given good service for the past 14 years. In addition to replacing the actual vehicle, a sizeable sum of money has been spent in buying new stock for customers to borrow. The vehicle offers a wide selection of books for adults and children in English and Gaelic. Customers are also able to borrow music CDs, videos, and Spoken Word cassettes. In addition to the stock on the vehicle, about 1800 items, the full range of books and audiovisual materials within the Western Isles wide library service is available through the request service.

Last year 20,000 books and 500 videos and CDs were borrowed from the Lewis Mobile Library, and 7000 books were circulated to schools. 3500 stops were made in communities; the public made 7000 visits to the vehicle, and 3000 enquiries were received by the library assistant/driver.

Bob Eaves said: “We now have two brand new vehicles with a lot of new stock, and a third one is promised for the Uists next financial year. We will be doing our best to encourage people in each area to make full use of the facilities on their doorstep. Mobile Libraries have provided a first class service in these islands for over 50 years, but there is always room for improvement if we are to continue our success in providing a library service in the 21st century.”

If you wish to check when the mobile library will be in your area, or if you wish to request a visit, you are asked to telephone 01851 708631 or 01851 708648.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk