Library services in the Moree Plains Shire will soon hit the road thanks to a State Government grant – Moree Library Officer Sarah Dean, left, Mobile Library Officer Adam Quinn, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Acting Regional Library Manager Lana Aksenova.
Wednesday, 22 July 2020
A GOOD book will soon only be a bus ride away for residents in isolated areas of the Moree Plains Shire, thanks to a $117,515 State Government grant to establish a Mobile Library Service, announced today by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall said a specially-designed bus would be purchased by Moree Plains Shire Council and travel the district, offering services which were currently provided through the Moree Community Library.
“Being able to pop into a library at your leisure and borrow a book or other materials should not be something which is only available to those who live in town,” Mr Marshall said.
“In an effort to reduce educational disadvantage Moree Community Library has piloted a very successful outreach program over the last two years, partnering with Gwydir Mobile Preschool to deliver library books to remote residents who attend mobile preschool sessions.
“The State Government is now supporting council to buy its own bus, which will be fitted out with all the mod-cons including automated wheelchair access, energy saving solar panels to charge technology and an automated awning to provide staff and visitors protection from the weather.
“Due to the size of the shire it’s not going to take long to run up the odometer with Council planning to park up at Bullarah, Mallawah, Pallamallawa, Gurley, Boggabilla, Tulloona, Boomi, Garah, Ashley, Mungindi and Weemalah, while also servicing Fairview Retirement Village, Moree PCYC, Gwydir Day Care and various community events.
“I commend Moree Plains Shire Council for the effort it is making to increase access to its services and more importantly improve educational outcomes for residents.”
Mr Marshall said the first year of the new service would act as a trial, while council staff devised a travel schedule which best suites the community.
“The whole point of this bus is to make reading more accessible to the community, so it is important the schedule reflects days when parents will definitely be in town for playgroup or when community organisations might be meeting,” he said.
“The final routes would be determined after consultation with residents at each location and Council approves funding for the operational costs of the vehicle.
“Everything going to plan, the Mobile Library will have its shelves stacked with quality reads and will be on the road early 2021.”