Mobile library service celebrates landmark anniversary
The iconic Bedford Mobile Library van.
Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the roll-out of Roscommon's mobile library, and is a special day for the county's much loved library services.
In 1975, a new Bedford Mobile Library van was purchased at a cost of £11,000. The van was delivered in September 1975 before the service was officially unveiled on Monday, October 20th of that year and blessed by Canon T Hanly PP and Rev DW Graham, Church of Ireland Rector, Roscommon.
Stock for the new mobile service was purchased from a bank loan of £18,000 spent during 1974 and 1975. Under the Public Libraries Act 1947, the council enjoyed a 50% refund of the loan charges through the Library Council.
A new mobile library vehicle is planned as part of the service’s ambitious and future proofed plans, the council said. The new vehicle will be equipped with Wi-Fi and access to the library’s digitally catalogued system, as well as being environmentally friendly.
