Council takes delivery of new library outreach van
The choice of reading material for users of Council’s mobile ROADS library service has jumped through the roof thanks to the introduction of a brand new library van earlier this month.
Handed over by Gordon Riley of Sydney Trucks and Machinery and Mark Jenkins from the Byron Group, the custom-built van can now hold over one thousand books, magazines and CD’s.
“After seven years of faithful service our old van was getting a bit tired,” said Council’s Library Services Coordinator Sandra Croker.
“So when it came time to upgrade, we thought we’d increase the carrying capacity of the van so that our customers could experience a higher level of service and a greater range of reading material.”
Council’s Fleet and Supply Coordinator Rob Gilroy explained the process behind the acquisition of the vehicle.
“When it came time to replacing the old van, we looked for a number of features,” Rob said.
“Not only did we want to carry more books, but we wanted the vehicle to be safer, more economical and comfortable.”
“We subsequently settled on the Iveco Daily van which holds an impressive 15.6 cubic metres of storage space,” Rob said. “But because it weighs under four and half tonnes, it can still be easily driven by a standard C Class licence holder.”
Once purchased the van was delivered to the Sydney office of the Byron Group who specialise in retro-fitting vehicles for government agencies such as the Ambulance Service of NSW.
“The van now features purpose-built shelving with secure bracing, fold down tables, LED lighting, custom signage and heavy duty access steps and rails for patron safety,” Rob said.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the final product.”
For more details on Wingecarribee Shire Council’s mobile Rural Outreach and Delivery Service (ROADS), including pre-booking your favourite title and route schedule, visit www.library.wsc.nsw.gov.au.
For a full gallery of images to accompany this article, please visit our Flickr gallery.