I am replying to the online story about Poole’s Mobile Library (Daily Echo July 18th) and would like to clarify the situation with the key facts.

The Mobile Library Service vehicle is reaching the end of its operational life and with current budget pressures on the council it would be difficult to justify replacing it when service users could be offered as good, if not better, alternatives.

To this end, all users of the service will be consulted to find alternative ways for them to access a library service other than the existing mobile or branch library network.

It’s important to note that the mobile library is not widely used. Currently there are 136 customers using the mobile library at public stops.

Last year 8 out of 11 public stops averaged 5 visitors or less.

The mobile library also provides a service to 161 customers living in sheltered housing or residential homes, where books or additional services could be delivered in different ways.

A home library service, delivered by the Poole Public Library Service and Royal Voluntary Service, supports 300 customers who cannot get to a library in Poole.

This service will remain in place and could be extended.

We know that access to library services for the most elderly, vulnerable and/or housebound is an essential part of their general wellbeing and we take our commitment to delivering those services to them very seriously.

However, there are many different ways that library services can be brought to the heart of a community using existing facilities and the review will help highlight what would be most appropriate in different areas.

As part of the consultation with Poole residents about how they use the mobile library we would welcome the opinions of any Poole resident on the best way to deliver library services into the future, but bearing in mind the budgetary restraints that public services face.

Councillor Xena Dion, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Learning