Axing mobile library 'real problem' for elderly

The mobile library service has been run by West Berkshire Council for more than 40 years, but could end in 2025

The axing of a mobile library service would be "a real problem" for young and elderly villagers, according to a resident.

West Berkshire Council is considering ending its mobile library service, which travels to 76 locations including public service stops, schools, nurseries, sheltered housing, a community cafe and a hospital.

The council said the proposal to stop the service would save £42,080 per year.

But David Bowyer, a pensioner in his 90s who lives in Beech Hill, said it would make taking out books "very difficult".

He said: "The old and young people living here, to get a library book they would have to go all the way into Reading.

"Some people take out the maximum number of books, which is nine, every time.

"Not being able to take out books will be very difficult.

"It's going to be a real problem for old people, I don't think either me or my wife could make it into Reading."

Running costs

The mobile library service has been operating in West Berkshire for more than 40 years, providing access to 1,500 items of fiction, non-fiction, large print, spoken word CDs and a selection of children's books.

According to the council, it was used by 239 residents in 2023/24.

It said the diesel van, which is 18 years old, costs £9,060 a year to run, and replacing it with an electric van would cost £200,000.

The council said the library driver post - which is currently vacant - costs £33,020 a year.

The library offers fiction non-fiction books, among other things

If the service was axed, the council said it would increase the pop-up library service in town and parish councils.

It would also use the existing e-library and expand its "library at home" service where those unable to attend libraries could access books from a visit by a DBS-checked volunteer.

A consultation on the axing of the mobile library service took place in December and recommendations made will be reviewed by the council on 11 February.

The council's executive committee is due to approve the draft 2025/26 budget on 13 February, and will then go to the full council on 27 February.

If approved, the mobile service would terminate on 31 March.