Information on Loughborough

State-of-the-art new mobile library launched in Market Harborough!

Posted on 04/09/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

4 September 2009

State-of-the-art new mobile library launched in Market Harborough!

Photo opportunity: A special viewing with chance to meet the library staff and a special cake will set off the celebrations as Leicestershire County Council launches its latest new mobile library in Market Harborough. Roger Wilson, the Chairman of the County Council, will declare the new mobile officially open at a special event taking place at The Square in Market Harborough on Saturday 12th September 2009 at 10.30am.

Vehicle design has changed over the years and the Leicestershire Library Service is pleased to be unveiling its’ new mobile model as it is unique and is the latest revolutionary design built in partnership with Leicester Carriage Builders. This latest vehicle design combines the low floor access of a bus with the carrying capacity of a conventional lorry based mobile. No longer restricted on the carrying capacity and both weight and space have been improved

It meets our user’s needs and is a fine example of technology at its best. Features include:

  • Improved access to make it easier for everyone to get onboard.
  • A vehicle that is 40ft long and approx. 8.6 ft wide.
  • Full air suspension.
  • Book capacity of 2800, which gives customers far more books to choose from than the old mobile.
  • Categories of stock including:
  • Adult fiction
  • Hardbacks and paperbacks
  • Fiction and non-fiction books for children of all ages.
  • Large print books
  • Talking books
  • State of the art graphics.
  • The mobile will continue to visit rural communities on a fortnightly basis
  • Plus there is information on a Home Library service
  • Leicestershire Library book requests that are free for children and senior citizens

The afternoon sees story telling sessions by local author Andy Cope, who wrote the children's story books 'Spy Dog' series. He will be on the mobile library at 1.00 –1.30 pm and 2.00 – 2.30 pm in The Square, Market Harborough.

The mobile library service in Market Harborough visits communities that do not have a static library within easy reach, helping libraries become accessible to all. The new mobile contains a wide variety of stock including fiction and non-fiction and talking and large print books.

Roger Wilson, the Chairman of the County Council, said:

"This new 'state-of-the-art' mobile is not only easily accessible, due to the low chassis design, the area it covers and the places it visits in Market Harborough will help library services become available to everyone."

For more information about the event or to find out when the mobile library will be visiting your area please call Jackie Knight, District Community Manager at Market Harborough Library, Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7LT Telephone: 0116 305 3627 Email. jackie.knight@leics.gov.uk  or marketharboroughlibrary@leics.gov.uk  Alternatively look on the County Council website: www.leics.gov.uk/libraries