A GOOD book will soon only be a bus ride away for residents in isolated areas of the Moree Plains Shire, when Moree Community Library establishes a Mobile Library Service.
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A specially-designed bus will travel the district, offering books and library services to residents in the shire's villages.
In an effort to reduce educational disadvantage for remote residents of the shire, the library has been piloting a successful outreach program for the past two years, partnering with Gwydir Mobile Preschool to deliver library books to those who attend mobile preschool sessions.
Now, the library will be able to purchase its very own bus and establish a Mobile Library Service, thanks to a $117,515 state government grant.
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"Being able to pop into a library at your leisure and borrow a book or other materials should not be something which is only available to those who live in town," he said.
"The state government is now supporting council to buy its own bus, which will be fitted out with all the mod-cons including automated wheelchair access, energy saving solar panels to charge technology and an automated awning to provide staff and visitors protection from the weather.
"I commend Moree Plains Shire Council for the effort it is making to increase access to its services and more importantly improve educational outcomes for residents."
Mr Marshall said the new bus will be on the road by early 2021, with the first year of the service to act as a trial, while council staff work out a travel schedule to best suit the community.
The bus will travel to Bullarah, Mallawah, Pallamallawa, Gurley, Boggabilla, Tulloona, Boomi, Garah, Ashley, Mungindi and Weemalah, while also servicing Fairview Retirement Village, Moree PCYC, Gwydir Day Care and various community events.
"The whole point of this bus is to make reading more accessible to the community, so it is important the schedule reflects days when parents will definitely be in town for playgroup or when community organisations might be meeting," Mr Marshall said.
"The final routes would be determined after consultation with residents at each location and council approves funding for the operational costs of the vehicle.
"Everything going to plan, the Mobile Library will have its shelves stacked with quality reads and will be on the road early 2021."
