Mobile Library couldbe facing big changes

Visits would be less frequent too with a three week rota replacing the current two week rota.

Yet East Sussex County Council insists the changes will make the service more efficient.

The changes, which would also affect the mobile office service, would reduce the cost of the service by £131,600 from £259,600.

The county council is currently seeking the views of residents on the proposals with a public consultation approved last week.

The proposals include combining stops in communities where the mobile library visits two or more sites located a mile or less apart. Mobile library services would also be delivered on a three week rota instead of the current two week schedule.

In addition, mobile library visits to 22 sheltered housing units and care settings will be replaced by the existing Care Home Service and Home Library Service.

These services offer either free bulk loans of books and audio books exchanged regularly or a volunteer home delivery of library items to those who have mobility issues, are housebound or have caring responsibilities.

The county council’s mobile office would be replaced by visits by tutors to settings in local communities where requested, rather than on a rota basis.

The consultation will run until Thursday, July 31. Feedback will be reported to cabinet later in the year, before a decision on the proposals is made. It can be completed online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/haveyoursay. Paper copies will also be available on the mobile vehicles.