RESIDENTS of Hatherleigh celebrated the launch of an improved mobile library service last weekend when the facility visited on a weekend for the first time.

A free community play, arts and crafts day was held at the community centre on Saturday January 8 to coincide with the launch of the new service.

Residents had the opportunity to meet M@x, the Devon Libraries cyber dog mascot and explore what the new service has to offer, which includes DVD rentals and a wide range of books for adults and children.

The mobile service will now stop in Hatherleigh on alternate Tuesdays at the community centre for one hour from 11.20am, at the care village for 35 minutes from 12.35pm, and at the lower car park for two hours from 9.15am.

On alternate weeks, the service will come to Hatherleigh on a Saturday, calling at the community centre from 9.30am until 12.30pm.

Devon County Councillor James McInnes, the member for Hatherleigh, said: 'The addition of having a Saturday morning service in Hatherleigh on alternate weeks is great news. I hope it will encourage families to attend.

'It's important residents in Hatherleigh use this new service and take advantage of the wide range of books, DVDs and other services available.'

The eagerly awaited weekend stops are part of the new scheme for the mobile library service, focussing on communities that do not have permanent libraries nearby.

The scheme will see access to mobile libraries in rural communities across Devon increased by almost 300 hours a year.

Library vans will be stopping for longer in central locations, and where possible will link in with existing facilities or events, such as market days, coffee mornings and school pick-up times.

Everybody who signs up to the service before February 26 will be entered into a free prize draw to win a bag of books and a family ticket to one of Devon's top attractions.

Membership to the service is free, and you can join at your mobile library. Borrowing books is completely free, although there is a small charge for DVDs and audio books.

Complete timetables for the new service are available from mobile library drivers, and can also be viewed online at http://www.devon.gov.uk/mobile-timetables">www.devon.gov.uk/mobile-timetables