New mobile library timetable announced

That’s according to Fife Cultural Trust which, tasked with reducing its fleet from three to two libraries, ran a survey asking how the service could be improved.

After taking in the views of 548 respondents, the Trust has added some new stops and changed times/locations of others.

To meet savings targets the new mobile service will operate fortnightly on weekdays with some evening availability and book loans will be extended from three to four weeks.

Changes to stop times have been limited to 15 minutes, where feasible, in response to users’ comments that they would prefer times of some stops to remain the same.

Heather Stuart, chief executive, said: “I would like to thank each and every one of our mobile library users who took the time to engage with us during this very valuable engagement process.

“Their feedback has been vital in assisting the Trust to make appropriate changes where necessary to this very important service which will provide a more efficient, effective and improved library service that is reflective of our users’ needs.

“I would like also to extend my thanks to all of our staff and drivers who helped to shape the new mobile routes and I am delighted to see such positive feedback from customers about our staff as part of the engagement process.”

The Trust has tried to accommodate children by ensuring schools are visited at times that suit teachers or in some areas after school to allow children to visit.

This complements the Fife-wide Schools Library Service which serves 132 of 141 schools.

Ms Stuart concluded: “All mobile library stops will be reviewed every six months following implementation of the new service which will enable us to respond to our users’ changing needs.”