Narrabri Library has received funding for a new mobile van to provide collections and services to those in remote areas of the shire.
The vehicle will function as a pop-up and outreach service, engaging with local schools, aged care providers Indigenous groups and disability support providers.
NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway, visited Narrabri earlier this month to announce the $141,727 investment.
Narrabri Shire Council mayor, Ron Campbell, welcomes the grant.
“Council is pleased with the announcement of funding for the Narrabri Shire mobile library,” he said.
“The funding will go towards the purchase and fit out of a van that will be used as a mobile library, servicing the entire shire.”
This funding for Narrabri Shire Council comes under the 2020/21 Public Library Infrastructure Grant program.
“Libraries play a vital role in providing access to information, resources and providing a fun, safe environment for people of all ages to learn, imagine and grow,” Mr Farraway said.
“Our regional libraries are about so much more than books, they are a part of the community and it was great to see the vision of the dedicated library staff for this amazing project to take the library to those in more rural and remote areas of the region.”
Mr Campbell said the new vehicle will include a range of helpful resources.
“The mobile library will be equipped with a range of items such as folding tables, chairs, pop up marquees, books, sensory equipment, scientific equipment and other accessories,” he said.
“Effectively, the van will be a ‘library on wheels’ that will greatly increase accessibility for all shire residents to council’s array of library services.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, echoed both Mr Campbell and Mr Farraway on the importance of library services in the country.
“The new Public Library Infrastructure Grant program is delivering the economic, infrastructure and lifestyle improvements that make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We are building a safer, stronger regional NSW and this upgrade to regional libraries will not only create local jobs but will provide the technology in country libraries in line with city libraries.”
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Sam Farraway (NSW Nationals Upper House MP) and Ron Campbell (Narrabri Shire Council mayor) browsing through some of the local library’s offerings.
