Major expansion of Vale's mobile libraries service - 26/10/06

 

A major expansion of the Vale of Glamorgan Council's mobile library service comes into effect on Monday, November 6.

 

Following the launch of a second mobile library, the Vale will be taking its service to even more communities – through 35 new stops – to provide much greater benefits for people of all ages unable to visit the county's 'static' libraries.

 

Both mobiles are well stocked with a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books, large print books, and talking books on cassette and CD. The vans also have removable shelves so that they can be customised for laptop use, and are fitted with lifts for full disabled access.

 

Community outreach officer Andrea Griffiths said: "The mobile service is now more user-friendly than ever before, and the much smaller vans can negotiate the narrowest of lanes and streets in the Vale."

 

The new timetable comprises more than 110 locations which will be visited on a fortnightly basis. There are also dedicated stops at schools, nurseries and care homes.

 

Andrea added: "The new rota represents a 30 per cent increase in contact time over the fortnight but, if anyone does not see their community included or wish to suggest further stops, then they are invited to contact me. We are keen to develop the service further, providing stops for additional groups of people who would welcome a regular visit."

 

New locations which will be visited during the fortnightly cycle include Amelia Trust Farm; Barry – Peterswell Road, Treharne Road (Iolo Place), Meggitt Road, Milton Road, Hinchsliff Avenue, Conway Drive (woods), St Bride's Way (Pendoylan Close), Highlight Park Community Centre car park, Enfield Drive, Lakin Drive (east and west), Highlight Lane (Oakfield Road), Brynhill Close, Merthyr Dyfan Road Post Office and Friars Road (Nells Point); Eglwys Brewis (Pinewood Square); Ewenny (Manor Court); Fontygary Leisure Park; Craig Penllyn (Barley Mow); Llandow (Tower Café and Vale Business Park top and bottom), Penarth – Glyndwr Road, Myrtle Close (Ty Dewi Sant and Oak Court), Dinas Road (Beechwood Drive) and Purcell Road (Sullivan Close); Penllyn Village Hall; Porthkerry Leisure Park; Rhoose (Ceri Road) and St Athan (West Camp) Community Centre.

 

A further initiative is the availability of the mobile service on Saturdays in the Barry area.

 

Further information can be obtained from the Vale Mobile Library HQ on (01446) 740688 or email adgriffiths@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk