December 6, 2021, by Elaine Murphy elaine@TheCork.ie

The Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service Center added three new mobile libraries to its fleet of book lovers across the county. Thanks to an investment of 592,000 euros from the council, the state-of-the-art trucks are replacing old vehicles in North, East and South Cork, and will be replaced in 2017 after the mobile library truck served by West Cork.

For a long time, the mobile library has been an indispensable part of the Cork County Library and Art Service Center. Trucks operate a route every two weeks, covering approximately 340 service points, including schools, nursing homes, day care centers, and direct supply centers. And nurseries, towns, villages, and homes are in every corner of the county.

The picture shows Cork County Mayor Cllr. Gillian Coughlan and Cork County Council staff. Image: Brian Laused

The picture shows the mayor of Cllr Cork County. Gillian Coughlan and the new mobile library. Picture: Brian Laused

These three new cars are specially manufactured by Primo Coach Builders, a company headquartered in Offaly. They are equipped with outstanding features such as in-vehicle WiFi, sensor lighting and a 43-inch digital display to highlight local events and available services. These trucks are fully wheelchair-friendly and have a two-meter long awning outside to provide shelter for customers to enter and exit the library.

Cork County Mayor Cllr Gillian Coughlan said:

"I am very pleased to see that these new libraries will be equipped with features that will attract and visit everyone to the maximum. Mobile libraries are an important link to provide a wider range of library services for rural and more remote communities, and support inclusiveness and accessibility. The local and national visions of continuing communities are closely related. I urge anyone who has not yet become a member of our library services to register and discover all available content through local libraries or mobile services."

Tim Lucey, Chief Executive Officer of Cork County Council, welcomed the news:

"I am very pleased to see these new libraries being rolled out to loyal users of the service throughout the county. We know that our mobile library plays a role in ensuring that all of our citizens can use library services regardless of their location or personal circumstances. This investment demonstrates the Cork County Council’s commitment to provide the best possible service to our rural communities."

The new mobile library vehicle will be on the road on December 6, 2021. For more information about the Cork County Council library and arts services, please visit www.corkcoco.ie/library or call 021 4546499