Mobile library attracts new customers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Jul 2005

In the first week of its new fortnightly route and timetable, Milton Keynes Council's mobile library attracted 260 customers, a 36% increase on the previous week, before routes were changed and the time at stops was increased.

Parish and town councils have helped by advertising the new stops and times through notice boards and newsletters. Some stops have proved particularly popular. The stop at Monkston had 53 customers during the 30 minutes of its first visit, including the parish clerk and his family.

Some stops have been moved following customer feedback. The relocated stop at Walnut Tree was a big success with the local nursery - most of the children and staff visited the vehicle. At Simpson there were six customers at the new stop compared to the previous stop in Simpson where nobody had got on for some months.

A number of new customers have registered as library users for the first time.

Councillor Euan Henderson, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries, said: "These changes have been implemented following consultation with customers and local organisations. It is very pleasing to see that the service is now reaching more people."

Information about the timetable and stops is available on line at www.mkweb.co.uk/library_services, at branch libraries or by phoning the library service on 01908 254050.