Mobile Library Service takes new direction

Mobile Library borrowers across Lunenburg and Queens Counties will see big changes in the way their library service is provided, including longer stops, flexible service options and new books, starting June 18th.

The Mobile Library, or Bookmobile as it is affectionately known, finished its spring schedule at the end of May. It will be off-road for maintenance and collection enhancement from June 3 - 17th and will start a new schedule when it returns to service on Wednesday, June 18th. "The new schedule will use one Mobile but will offer an increase in open hours throughout Lunenburg and Queens Counties," says Cathy MacDonald, Mobile Library/Technical Services Librarian. The oldest Mobile, a 1990 International with over 432,000 km, retired from service on May 30th. It will not be replaced. "Operating one vehicle will allow us to maintain service and put more new books and library materials on the shelves for everyone," says MacDonald. "Another benefit of the redesign of Mobile Services is an overhaul of the collection.

Older materials will be weeded out, the collections will be combined and hundreds of new books, magazines and other materials for children and adults will be added to the shelves. Between 400 and 500 new books will be added to the collection in the next few months."

MacDonald is encouraged by comments from patrons about the new schedule. “So far people seem quite pleased with it. Staff has worked hard to increase the amount of open hours and will continue to provide excellent Library service to their borrowers? The new three-week schedule means longer stops in many communities, including afternoon and evening service in many areas.”

Communities that previously had several stops in the immediate vicinity or were within 10 km of a town library have been consolidated to combine shorter stops. In some cases residents can be served by other methods such as Books-By-Mail or Home Library Service.

MacDonald adds, "We're also pleased to introduce some new, flexible service options to serve borrowers." Online services

www.ssrlibrary.ca) enable you to get a library card, search the library catalogue and request and renew books at your convenience, 24 hours a day. The same services are available by phone (902-543-2548) 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Rural residents or those unable to access a branch or community stop may be eligible to have books delivered or sent in the mail. As always, all residents of Lunenburg and Queens Counties are invited to visit the Bookmobile or Town Library in a nearby community or drop-off their books at community bookdrops in New Ross or Chester, weekdays at Library Headquarters or anytime at the Town Libraries.

Some patrons are concerned that going from two Mobile Libraries to one means that Bookmobile Service is on the way out. "Not so," says Chief Librarian Cheryl Stenström. "Mobile Service to rural areas is very much a part of the Library's long range plan. In fact, we are in the process of ordering a new Mobile right now; it should be on the road by fall 2009." It takes about 18 months to order, receive and custom fit a new vehicle. "It will replace the existing Mobile, a 1994 International, so that Mobile Library service can continue seamlessly," explains Stenström.