Bringing the Library Closer to You

10.46.04pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 22nd May 2005

Milton Keynes' Liberal Democrat Council is introducing an improved mobile library service bringing books, films, tapes and information to your doorstep. The new timetable and routes will start on Monday 13 June. The vehicle will visit locations across the Borough of Milton Keynes, with 65 stops of 30 minutes or longer and at least fortnightly.

The new timetable will be available in all libraries and on the vehicle over the next month. You can also obtain details by ringing Sally Elson at the Library Service on 01908 254050 or visiting the Library Service website at www.mkweb.co.uk/library_services/.

At a later date in the summer there will also be live access to the library catalogue on board so staff can check the availability of books, DVDs, videos or CDs in any of Milton Keynes Libraries. Staff will also be able to search the internet to help find information from local community databases and the Council's website.

Cllr Sandra Clark, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries, said: "The mobile library provides a valuable service to those members of the community who would not otherwise be able to use Milton Keynes Libraries. The staff are friendly and helpful. The new timetable is the product of a lot of consultation and planning, and we hope that the service will attract new customers and continue to serve existing customers."

The new timetable has been devised after a year-long review of use of the service, including consultation with customers. Stops that attracted very few or no regular customers have been removed to allow the service to extend the time it spends at popular stops and visits to sheltered housing schemes. The new arrangements will be reviewed after six months, so your comments are welcome.