Mobile Librarians rewarded for delivering 3 million books!
Published 28th December 07
A group of eight volunteer mobile librarians, who have delivered almost 3 million (2.86m) books over a combined total of 110 years, will be rewarded at a special ceremony tomorrow (20th December).
Wendy Loomis, 69, of Thrush Green, North Harrow, thought to be one of the longest serving librarians in the country, having delivered 'books on wheels' since 1971. When she started driving an old Ford Escort van Edward Heath was Prime Minister but the UK was still outside the then European Community, Jim Morrison had just died whilst Ewan McGregor and Snoop Dog had just been born.
Averaging one afternoon shift every other week, Wendy delivered over 100 books to a dozen people each day who those might otherwise have not have been able to read new literature. She has done this for over 30 years, in the process helping almost 8,000 people, delivering approximately 78,000 books, driving almost 10,000 miles and drinking hundreds, if not, thousands of cups of tea.
Wendy Loomis said: "When I first started on it was arranged by the Women Royal Voluntary Service who also provided meals on wheels.
"In the old days we used to have a cup of tea almost every house but now there are too many people to visit.
"It is a service which is very much appreciated because if people are still reading it is helping to keep their mind active. It has always been something of a pleasure to have been involved in."
Mayor Jean Lammiman said "I want to say a huge thank you to those who have given up so much of their spare time and made a real difference to those who can't get out to libraries.
"It is such a valuable service that helps keep people's minds active and helps them to stay connected to the outside world.
"It is a fantastic achievement to have delivered so many books to thousands of library users in Harrow."
Averaging one afternoon shift every other week, Wendy delivered over 100 books to a dozen people each day who those might otherwise have not have been able to read new literature. She has done this for over 30 years, in the process helping almost 8,000 people, delivering approximately 78,000 books, driving almost 10,000 miles and drinking hundreds, if not, thousands of cups of tea.
Wendy Loomis said: "When I first started on it was arranged by the Women Royal Voluntary Service who also provided meals on wheels.
"In the old days we used to have a cup of tea almost every house but now there are too many people to visit.
"It is a service which is very much appreciated because if people are still reading it is helping to keep their mind active. It has always been something of a pleasure to have been involved in."
Mayor Jean Lammiman said "I want to say a huge thank you to those who have given up so much of their spare time and made a real difference to those who can't get out to libraries.
"It is such a valuable service that helps keep people's minds active and helps them to stay connected to the outside world.
"It is a fantastic achievement to have delivered so many books to thousands of library users in Harrow."
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