Sirs,
What is happening with the replacement vans for the mobile library service?
A freedom of information request to the comhairle in February of this year asked
the question as to how many library service points both static and mobile were proposed
for closure in the next year.
The reply on the former was “None”, however the reply on the latter was rather intriguingly
“ Don’t know at this point in time.”
Coincidentally, also in February my wife and
I had separately contacted our three councillors here on Point to enquire when the
van or vans were being replaced.
I understood from a document on the comhairle”s website that funding had been identified in 2016 and subsequently agreed upon.
This same document had highlighted the mobile library service as “a fundamental part
of the comhairle’s provision of library services” and “fulfils their statutory obligation
to provide a public library service to all all its residents.”
Since February I have
maintained contact with my councillors to try and understand how matters are progressing.
I understand, for example, that the SNP grouping and one other councillor proposed
and were defeated on a motion to move to replace the vans now, the view being taken
that a further report as part of a “major internal service redesign” was required.
I asked via my councillors for some form of public statement from education sport
and leisure on the matter on 18th of June but to date nothing has emerged.
So, the question must be asked here publicly.
What is to happen to the mobile library service?
My efforts via my councillors have sadly came to naught. Hopefully this letter might evidence some positive news for this vital service.
Al Ross
Edgemoor Cottage
Upper Bayble
Point
Isle of Lewis
Letter: What is happening with the library van service?
6 August 2018