Frequently Asked Questions
also known as: Libraries, Library Bus, Library Van.
Questions that are frequently asked about the mobile library van.
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.