New vans and timetables herald a bright future for Derbyshire Mobile Library Service

Credit: DCC

Book lovers in communities across Derbyshire are set to benefit as the county’s mobile library service welcomes two new vans which have hit the road this month.

Derbyshire County Council has introduced the two new mobile library vans which will be more reliable, economical and efficient to run, and as they are smaller they are more agile allowing them to access smaller rural roads more easily and reach more readers and communities.

The new vans have replaced two old HGVs that were in poor condition and often off the road for repairs which regularly impacted the service. Another benefit of the new vans is that it is now easier to recruit drivers as they do not need an HGV licence, meaning a new driver has been appointed to the long-vacant post to deliver the service in the south of the county.

The new vans will offer the opportunity for browsing and carry a good range of stock.

Both the new vans have already started on their rounds and feedback from mobile library users has so far been very positive.

Accompanying the new vans are new timetables which were launched on Monday (3 August) and have been revised for the first time in more than 10 years.

The new timetables reflect changing populations and demand, and by removing unused stops and combining less-popular stops into one at some locations, the service has been able to add 30 new stops in places people have requested them.

The mobile service will deliver to 179 stops in 139 towns, villages and communities across the county – from Tintwistle to Netherseal and Earl Sterndale to Pleasley, with the minimum stop time at each location being increased to at least 30 minutes.

Councillor Carol Wood, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “This is really great news for book lovers, especially those who don’t live near a library or struggle to get to one, and it’s especially exciting to be launching this during the National Year of Reading.

“Each of the new vehicles carries a selection of books for all ages and a range of formats, giving customers the opportunity to browse and choose their own items during visits. This offers a more engaging and personalised experience, encouraging more people to discover the joy of reading.”

Councillor Wood added: “Mobile libraries offer residents important social contact, helping to reduce isolation and support their mental wellbeing, so we are delighted to be able to offer this new improved service to the people of Derbyshire.

“Our aim is to ensure we are providing a library service that is fit-for-the-future, is efficient and sustainable and meets the needs of our residents, putting the service in the heart of communities.’’

Customers have been moved onto the Library Management System, meaning they can now use their card in any Derbyshire Library, at any mobile library stop and for online services such as eLending (downloading eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers for free onto a phone, tablet or computer). They can also reserve books online. As in all Derbyshire libraries, readers can request books from across the county.

The new timetables can be found here: Mobile libraries – Derbyshire County Council