The Fremantle Library is set to revolutionise community access to its resources with a proposed mobile library service. This innovative pilot program, detailed in a bi-annual report to the City of Fremantle council, aims to bring the library directly to the people.
Mobile Library Service Details
Planning is currently underway for the pilot mobile library service, with Sullivan Hall being considered as the first site. The plan involves library staff using a dedicated van to travel across the city on a monthly basis. This initiative will allow residents to join, borrow, and reserve items without needing to visit the main library building, significantly improving accessibility for all.
This new service will join the recently relaunched mobile toy library, which successfully completed a trial in July. The toy library, which delivers to locations like the Fremantle Women’s Health Centre, provides toys for children aged one to eight years old. It offers a limited number of free memberships for families experiencing hardship and is celebrating a major milestone, having recently recorded its 3000th member as it approaches its 50th anniversary.
Broader Library Services and Support
The library's commitment to the community extends beyond books. A recent change in operating hours from 9am-7pm to 8am-6pm has been welcomed by the homeless community, making the facility more accessible to vulnerable residents.
Furthermore, the library's Library Connect service, a free walk-in service providing advice, referrals, and support, has recently appointed two new staff members who job-share the role. This new arrangement, implemented after the former worker resigned in August, is designed to make covering absences easier and ensure more balanced workloads for handling the diverse and complex needs of clients.
The bi-annual report highlighted a powerful case study of Library Connect's impact, detailing its sustained support for a mother of three experiencing homelessness, family and domestic violence, and severe financial hardship. Through holistic support, the client was able to navigate complex systems and begin stabilising her family's circumstances.
A Collaborative Community Institution
The Fremantle Library is a vital resource supported by both the City of Fremantle and the Town of East Fremantle. It boasts a strong membership base of 11,558 members, with 855 of those members residing in East Fremantle. The introduction of the mobile library service represents the next step in the library's ongoing mission to serve and connect with every corner of its community.
