New mobile library routes will be introduced across Rhondda Cynon Taf from April, following a review of the service.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Libraries Service carried out public consultation to help plan additional new routes. Current routes are being improved, with stops at new housing developments across RCT included from April 6, 2010.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, Cllr Robert Bevan, said: “We have reviewed the current routes and will now be covering 447 stops instead of the previous 310 stops, thereby providing an even better service.
“There are two brand new mobiles in our fleet of four vehicles, which carry books, large print books, talking books on cassette and CD, and children’s books – which can all be borrowed for free.
“We listened to the public’s views to help plan our mobile library visits and hope residents will continue to enjoy this excellent service. It’s easy to spot the brightly-coloured library vans as they travel around the county.”
New mobile library routes
The mobile library service visits areas across Rhondda Cynon Taf once every fortnight. New mobile vehicles have state-of-the-art facilities, and the suspension can be lowered to enable easy access for those who may be less mobile.
Wheelchairs can access the mobile by using the steps converted into a lift. There is also a children’s area on each vehicle, with a mat for toddlers to sit on.
The full library catalogue can be accessed on the mobiles and requests for items not on the mobile but in RCT libraries can be taken free of charge. If you have a query which the mobile librarian cannot answer immediately, they can take your enquiry back to a reference library and you will be contacted by a librarian.
Flyers giving the new stops and times are being distributed to shops and homes. You can also ring Catherine Langdon on 01685 880061 to find out if the service will stop near you.
Rhondda Cynon Taf librarians will be travelling to Yorkshire in May to attend the annual ‘Mobilemeet’, where they hope to win a prize for the graphics on their new vehicles.
· Membership of all Rhondda Cynon Taf‘s libraries is free and everyone living or working within the county borough is welcome to join. For more information on Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Library Service log on to the library website at www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/libraries.
