A $132,000 NSW Government grant will be used to help the Clarence Valley’s more remote library subscribers into the digital age while maintaining access to services. Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, said the Government recognised the need for libraries to adapt to changing technologies and designed funding assistance to help councils and libraries move with the times. Mr Gulaptis said the Clarence Valley Council would use the grant to buy a new vehicle for its mobile library service but, over time, the service would transition to a digital model. “The vehicle the council currently uses for its mobile library has reached the end of its life and I’m pleased the Government has been able to help with a new vehicle,” he said. “It will be a much more cost efficient service than it has been in the past, and over the next few years library staff will train users of the mobile service in how to use and get the most out of digital services.” Clarence Valley Mayor, Richie Williamson, said the grant was invaluable. “At a time when council is looking at cutting costs in order to improve its long-term financial sustainability, it was questionable whether we could have continued to provide the existing mobile service,” he said. “The funding for a new vehicle means we can continue to provide mobile library services while training people for the future. “It could not have come at a better time.”