New mobile libraries could be on way to RCT
TWO new state-of-the-art mobile libraries could be coming to Rhondda Cynon Taff in plans to be considered this week.
The proposals are part of wider changes to the mobile library service to be considered by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council cabinet on Thursday.
The proposals would see the new vehicles stopping for longer at key locations and mean that the majority of residents have access to a council library service within a two-mile radius of their home.
Cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, county borough councillor Joy Rosser, said: “This proposal is about enhancing our mobile library services, to ensure that they offer the same services that residents can access in a normal Library building. As part of the plan, the route plan for these next state-ofthe-art vehicles has been reassessed, to ensure we can deliver longer stops at strategic locations.
“Many of the current stops offered by the service, receive little or no take-up, and because of the number currently offered, do not allow users to do much else other than collect or return books.”
If the plans are agreed the two new vehicles would replace the current three vehicles used.
The current number of 393 short stops every two weeks would be reduced to 48 long stops of two and a hald hours each, every three weeks, focusing on communities with no fixed libraries.
Cllr Rosser said: “We appreciate that some residents, may be concerned to lose their short mobile library stop, close to their home or street in some circumstances, and to support any potential decision on these changes, an eight-week consultation would be initiated to discuss the proposal and consider residents’ views on these proposed changes.”
The new vehicles would have Wi-Fi and internet access and include canopies and awnings.
The council said that the three current mobile libraries are at the end of their operational life.
The plans will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, March 22.