Blue Mountains Council will start a weekly library bus service every Thursday between Springwood and Blaxland libraries while the Springwood library is being refurbished.
The service will run between the Springwood and Blaxland Library branches, from December 9 for the duration of the ongoing renovations at Springwood. The Library in the Loft, located in the Blue Mountains Community Hub at Springwood reopened on Friday December 3.
The free bus service will enable seniors and those without access to their own transport to access the larger collection at Blaxland. It's also wheelchair accessible, so everyone can make use of it.
The $2.6 million library redesign is expected to be completed by June next year. Funded by council and the federal and state governments, the redevelopment will transform the library into a modern, light-filled space with full glazing to the south facade providing excellent views, plus quiet study areas and a fully accessible lift.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill called the new bus service a fabulous initiative from the library team.
"Every time I think I've seen council staff go above and beyond, they show me that there are no limits to their innovation and their desire to provide a top notch service to our community.
"While the Library in the Loft is reopening on site at Springwood as well, it only offers a small selection. And we know so many in the community are missing their regular perusal of the larger collection.
Free shuttle bus details
The shuttle bus service is free and will run every Thursday. It does not require bookings. It will leave and return to the Blue Mountains Community Hub in Springwood, giving members approximately one hour at Blaxland Library. The two departure times each Thursday are 9.45am, returning 11.15am and 10.30am, returning at noon.
Until Public Health Orders change, everyone using the service and entering the library must be fully vaccinated and will be required to check-in. There will be no service on Thursday December 30 during the library's holiday closure period.
Reading challenge
Meanwhile It's summer and that means it's Reading Challenge time! The challenge is returning for the 14th year, and will run from December 1 - January 31. The Summer Reading Challenge is for all school-aged students. This year's theme is Choose your Adventure, and there are great rewards for kids to earn as their personal adventure unfolds.
Reading and logging is easy and almost anything counts as long as it's borrowed from the library; books, picture books, magazines, eBooks, eAudiobooks, Audiobooks and graphic novels.
You can download digital logsheets and activity sheets from the library website or visit a branch to pick one up. You must be a library member to participate but joining is free. Each completed logsheet earns a $5 book voucher from local bookstores The Turning Page or Megalong Books, as well as collectible postcards that can be redeemed in branches for token prizes and badges. There are also special activities that count towards a further prize draw. Visit a branch or the library website to find out more: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/library.