26 April 2005

Libraries on wheels - Why don't we have real libraries?

| johnboy
Join the conversation
4

Mobile Libraries are invaluable to remote communities. Which is why I wonder why we need them in the ACT?

John Hargreaves has launched two mobile library vehicles.

The vehicle will be in service at the Lanyon Market Place and Weston Creek and will also be available fortnightly on Saturday mornings and once a month at Tuggeranong Homestead Market.

And can we ask why those areas don’t have proper libraries?

Join the conversation

4
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

Thanks Angela, I was asking the question rhetorically.

personally i believe it’s more important to have libraries available and standing empty than it is to acheive these sort of “efficiencies” which really only serve those accustomed to the routines of the service.

basically I think it’s a worthy investment of any society to have a well known building with unchanged hours where knowledge and literature is freely available.

if there’s more equity in internet access in a few years then we could argue it was no longer necessary.

but we’re a long way away from that.

Hi Johnboy. I am currently doing Library Studies at TAFE and I believe I can answer your question. Also Thumper answered the question spot on too. Different governments will fund different things, and it just depends on what the government believes is a good investment. The government of today probably doesn’t believe that having a library building will serve a purpose in your community, perhaps because the old one was not being used by many people. As governments change they will either decide to increase or slash funding to libraries (and schools), which ultimately leads to this sort of thing happening. It is very inconvenient to the community when this happens, so I would suggest that maybe you could write to your local MP about the issue.

Real libraries require more staff, maintenance, and have to be purchased, which all in all cost a hell of a lot more than a bus.

A mobile library in a place like Canberra is frankly ridiculous given that we already have some to service the old and infirm or those who simply have no access.

Sounds like cost cutting in the guise of doing something good for the community.

Samuel Gordon-Stewart8:18 pm 26 Apr 05

hmmmm, strange. We already have mobile libraries servicing residents, especially the aged and disabled…why do we need more?
Perhaps a bus that takes the people to a real library would be of more use.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.