Library Service asks for views on Mobile Library Services

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Library Service is asking for views to shape the service provided by its Mobile Library.

A consultation will launch on Monday, 8 August, asking residents for their comments on proposed changes to the Mobile Library’s activities, routes and locations.

The Mobile Library offers a wide range of stock including adult and children's books as well as audiobooks. It also provides access to the Library Management System, enabling customers to borrow books from across the library service and to make reservations, as well as update their library accounts.

Mobile Library staff can also provide online Council information and a Council enquiry service.  Library members have free access to a wide range of online resources, including eBooks, via the libraries’ webpage.

The Library Service will be introducing a new modern mobile library later this year.  The new vehicle, which will replace the existing mobile library vehicle, will be fully electric and therefore much cleaner and greener.

Other sustainable features include solar panels and LED lighting. There will also be improvements to services offered, such as an awning for summer activities and onboard Wi-Fi and digital access for customers.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “It’s really exciting to be getting a new all-electric mobile library vehicle.  With the introduction of a new vehicle, we would like to take the opportunity to review existing mobile library stops and the activities held at some stops. We want to understand the views of service users, residents, and stakeholders on the proposals for the mobile library service.

We know how important this service is and I would urge everyone who has a view on our proposals to get in touch to let us know their comments.”

Proposals include enhancing some stops by adding activities, such as a Storytime or Craft Session in partnership with community centres or village halls; reviewing existing stops on a six-monthly basis; and withdrawing five stops that are not well used, but adding three additional stops, some near to the stops being removed from current mobile library routes.

Full details of existing routes and proposed routes are available here: 

www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/mobilelibraryconsultation

There are several ways to take part and share your views:

• Complete an online survey here: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/mobilelibraryconsultation

• Complete a paper survey on the Mobile Library or in any library across the borough.You can find your nearest library here: Find a library | Cheshire West and Chester Council

• Email: libraries@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 
• Telephone: 0300 123 8 123 quoting ‘Mobile Library Service Consultation’
• Write to: Ellesmere Port Library, Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BG
• You can also request a copy of our consultation in alternative formats including paper using the contact details above.

You can drop in to one of the following engagement sessions at the mobile stops below:

• Guilden Sutton Village Hall – Monday 22 August 10.30am-12.00pm
• Kingsmead Dukes Way – Wednesday 24 August 3-4pm
• Farndon Memorial Hall – Wednesday 31 August 1.10-1.45pm
• Ledsham Village Hall – Friday 2 September 9.40-10.10am
• Burton Village Hall – Friday 2 September 11.10-11.50am
• Kelsall Community Centre – Friday 9 September 2.40- 4.15pm
• Elton Community Centre – Thursday 22 September 2.30-4.30pm 

The consultation is open until 2 October.

The feedback from this consultation will be considered by the Library Service to help shape the future of the mobile library to meet residents' needs. The consultation findings will be available on the Council’s website in November 2022 alongside an update on the outcome of any decisions taken and the next steps.