What changes and improvements have been made to the Mobile Library Service?

From April 2012, the Mobile Library Service will be delivered by three mobile library vehicles covering North, West and Central areas of the county. In order to get the most out of each timetable, the places where the mobile library visits have been reviewed. Each vehicle has been re-routed to make sure that we are able to deliver a library service to Northumberland residents living in hard to reach areas.
 

Following extensive consultation in 2011, a number of intended improvements have been made to the Mobile Library Service. These include:

A regular two-weekly timetable for all customers

Mobile library visits that last for longer periods of time

Extended borrowing periods on all items loaned from a mobile library

A Saturday service

Improved communications with customers

 

How many stops are there each week?

In the new timetables, which are in place from April 2012, there will be 105 stops in week one of the timetables and 127 stops in week two.

This amounts to 31 stops in week one of the North Area timetable and 48 in week two; 37 stops in week one of the West Area timetable and 45 in week two; and 37 stops in week one of the central area timetable and 34 in week two.

How long will each stop last?

Depending on your location, a mobile library visit will last for either 20, 40 or 60 minutes. The length of the stop is determined by the size of the area being visited and the number of people who regularly use the service in that area.

Does the Mobile Library Service run on evenings and weekends?

Yes. In the new timetables, the mobile library service is scheduled to run from Tuesday to Saturday and between 9.30am and 6.30pm each day where possible. Although due to the distances each mobile library vehicle needs to travel, some evening stops in the new routes are scheduled for a slightly later time. Please check the mobile library timetables available on our website www.northumberland.gov.uk/mobilelibraries for exact timings of mobile library visits near you.

Why doesn’t the service run on Monday?

In 2011 the mobile library service consulted with its existing customers about how we could improve the service to suit their needs. One of the things you told us was that, for customers whose scheduled visit fell on a Monday, you were sometimes losing out due to bank holidays.

To rectify this, we removed Monday visits from the schedule and introduced a Saturday service in its place. Throughout the course of the 2012/13 year, we will be continually reviewing the success of Saturday visits and talking to you about how well this is working.

What are the lending periods for items loaned from a mobile library?

From April 2012, all items loaned from a mobile library will have a lending period of 28 days. This increased from the 21 days previously allowed.

The purpose of the increased lending period is to make sure that customers who miss a regular visit in the new two-weekly timetables do not incur a fine for overdue items while waiting for the next visit.

 

Customers can also extend lending periods on the items by telephoning the library renewals service on 01670 505016 or via our website: www.mylibrary.co.uk

Can I request a mobile library visit in my area?

If you would like a mobile library to visit the area you live in, you should first read the service criteria document to check whether you are eligible to receive the service.

Please click here to view a copy of the service criteria

These criteria were developed as part of the Mobile library Service review and agreed through public consultation in 2011. To view a copy of the public consultation response report please click here.

Mobile library routes are reviewed and updated on an annual basis. Any agreement to provide a an additional stop will be subject to awaiting the time of the next review before it can be included in the timetable.

For more information, please view the Mobile Library Service Statement for 2012/13.

Having read the eligibility criteria, if you feel you would like to propose a new stop to be included in the mobile library routes, you should contact the Mobile Library Service by emailing Karen.Middlemiss@northumberland.gcsx.gov.uk or by telephoning 0845 600 6400 to discuss your request.

I am unable to leave my home; how can I continue to receive a library service?

Northumberland County Council runs a Home Library Service, which is delivered by volunteers across the County. It is a service specifically designed for housebound customers and involves a volunteer visiting the customer on a regular basis, discussing their book choices with them and delivering and returning items on their behalf.

Any Northumberland resident who is concerned that their disability or mobility needs could prevent them from accessing a library service should contact the Home Library Service by emailing Ann.Blakeley@northumberland.gcsx.gov.uk or by telephone on 0845 600 6400.

How will I know if the mobile library is unable to visit me?

Customers who sign up to our email notification service will be informed by email about any changes to their regular service or times when the mobile library is unable to visit you as planned (for example in severe weather conditions). More information about how to sign up for this service in available on our website www.northumberland.gov.uk/mobilelibraries.