Community members now have easier access to Penrith City Council’s library services thanks to a new member of the team.
Evie, council’s second electric vehicle, is zooming around the city helping library staff provide essential services to the community, including the delivery of books and toys to residents who need them.
An official launch of the eco-friendly van was held in celebration of Library and Information Week.
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the 100 per cent electric vehicle benefited the community while serving as a reminder of council’s commitment to a cleaner future.
“Council is really proud to launch Evie, our newest electric vehicle which is great for the environment with low emissions and reduced running costs compared to a standard car or van,” Cr Hitchen said.
“We have seen firsthand the benefits of using an eco-friendly vehicle and understand why it’s a valuable resource in assisting council staff to deliver much-needed services within our community.
“Some residents are unable to attend council’s libraries in person, so Evie provides the opportunity for our library team to go directly to community members – either putting smiles on young faces through our Toy Library Outreach Service or delivering books, DVDs and iPads to our less mobile or unwell library members, as part of the weekly Home Library Service.
“Council sees the importance of our libraries and how they enrich the lives of our residents; Evie was purchased to enable staff to better serve the community and enhance our Pop-Up Library offering in an environmentally conscious way.”
The council’s first electric vehicle, a Renault Kangoo, has covered just over 44,500km while being recharged using 100 per cent GreenPower, with a recharging cost of only $911 over three years (as of Feb 2022).
The second electric vehicle joins council’s fleet to build on existing work in the sustainability space, and to better serve the community going forward.
