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Wheatland Regional Library Press Release October 20, 2004 The End Of An Era: Last Bookmobile In Rural Saskatchewan Ends The Wheatland Regional Library Board has announced the end of its bookmobile service, the last on the prairies, effective November 30, 2004. The 141-member Board reviewed a 40-page report prepared by senior administration that detailed trends in use and in costs, compared to regular branches. The service was no longer sustainable. As recently as 1996 the “mobile branch” stopped at 27 locations but since then most communities have opted for small branches where use is higher and costs lower. Fifteen rural communities will be affected. The Board has committed to work with each community to explore options from book depositories with Internet stations to small branches. Almost half of the communities are within ten miles of an existing branch in the 45 library system. In making the announcement, Board Chair Don Tait noted that “it is with considerable regret that the Board is discontinuing the service but use had been declining for some time and the bookmobile needs replacement. It is off the road for repairs as much as it is in use.” Former Board chair Don Burton, a passionate advocate for bookmobile service, seconded the motion. “It is the end of an era”, said Mr. Burton, “but it is time to move on.” Mr. Tait explained that the Board was committed to investing the funds saved in improved service across the system, increasing regular delivery to each branch from twice a year to every week. “The system is moving to the concept of ‘one collection, many doors’ so that any resident has access to the collection of the entire region through the request and reserve system. Deliveries of requested items will be made within days. The Wheatland Regional Library Board serves the residents of West-Central Saskatchewan through 44 branches and 140 municipalities covering an area the size of Nova Scotia. The Board has recently completed a comprehensive management review of the system and is undergoing the country’s largest review of library collections. The Central Service offices are located in Saskatoon. For further information, contact: Dr. Ken Haycock, Interim CEO 306.652.5077 khaycock@wheatland.sk.ca |
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