Celebrating Mobile Libraries Day 2022
with our driver, David Protherough
David has been our mobile driver since 2017 and has become a beloved member of the local community. His routes cover some of the most majestic scenery in Argyll and Bute, the islands of Islay and Jura, and involve many stops throughout both islands, including regular visits to the local schools.
Islay Mobile provides a well-needed service, as island life can be very isolating for some, and David can be the only contact they have on a regular basis.
David, in some cases, offers a doorstep service, as many elderly members cannot come to the van due to mobility issues. In these cases, a bespoke library service is provided as he will choose books for individuals based on their borrowing history. He’ll also place requests for sought after authors and titles if they are not available on the van. Our mainland libraries will then ensure that these requests are sent out with little delay.
For Islay and Jura residents, this is the only access they have to a library unless they travel to the mainland, so it’s both a lifeline and comfort to some. For example, should David notice that a regular borrower has not come out to the van as expected, he will stop at their home to ensure that everything is OK. More than a few families have benefitted from his care and attention over the years.
Our Mobile Library doesn’t only provide a library service; it provides a safe place for our members and knowledge that they are being looked after and remain an important part of the library community.
In particular, he has shared the resources from Playlist for Life, 100 Years: A Century of Song, which a few of his customers have used. This resource has helped bring smiles and warmth to the faces of members and loved ones living with memory loss.
During his recent stop at Port Ellen Primary School, the P1 and P2 pupils shared how much the service means to them.
P1’s Angus and Noah like books about cars, with Angus adding that he likes to choose from the trucks and fire engine books as there are lots.
Lucy says she likes to choose from the many different books available on the mobile (children’s ones, of course).
P2 pupils Laurie, Finn and Niamh A agree that there are so many great books to choose from, with Laurie enjoying Shrek books the most!
David is a character and an essential member of the library team, so it’s great to share a little of the service he provides on #MobileLibraryDay2022.
