Library going the extra mile

It took more than mechanical difficulties with the Swan Hill Mobile Library to keep staff members from delivering this service to rural communities.

In early March the Mobile Library required mechanical repairs, leaving mobile library officers uncertain on how to continue to deliver library books across
the municipality.

However, the dedicated team made sure book lovers did not go without, creating a temporary mobile library in the form of a station wagon.
Swan Hill Rural City Council’s Cultural Development and Libraries Manager Camille Cullinan said at no point did the mobile library team consider not making their regular stops.

“Every morning the station wagon was loaded up with crates of books, a fold out table, a chair and a laptop to enable users to still connect and browse the library catalogue.

“As the number of books we could transport was significantly fewer, we sorted through our collection and handpicked books to take on the road.

“And, because our mobile library officers have such a great connection with the community members that use this service, they actually knew the types of books they like to read, and could take a selection to suit their tastes.

“Their positive attitudes and dedication to servicing our community turned a potential problem into a really heart-warming experience.”

The Mobile Library is currently back up and running.