Keeping the Pages Turning: Councillor Thaler’s Fight to Save the Mobile Library Van
Transparency, Accountability, and a Community on Wheels—How One Councillor is Championing Access for All in Snowy Monaro - by Chris Chan
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Welcome back to the Monaro Zone Podcast, where we explore the key issues shaping our Snowy Monaro community. Today, we start with some words from Councillor Andrew Thaler:
“The resignation should be made public... why did some councillors have access to it, and not others? What went wrong.”
These past few weeks, Councillor Thaler has been working hard, pressing for more transparency and accountability surrounding the CEO's resignation—particularly questioning why some councillors had access to critical information while others didn’t. But this week, he’s turning his focus toward another community priority: saving the Mobile Library Van.
So let’s dive in and hear his thoughts on why preserving the Mobile Library is essential for our region.
Why This Matters
Councillor Thaler is working to preserve the Mobile Library Van, a lifeline for many in our sprawling Snowy Monaro Region. Unlike urban areas, accessing libraries in Cooma or Jindabyne is no simple task. Limited internet connectivity, rising fuel prices, and high living costs make it tough for residents to access educational and entertainment resources that others might take for granted. Thaler sees the Mobile Library Van as the answer to these challenges.
But it’s more than just a service; it’s part of our community identity. Thaler has spoken passionately about his own memories of a mobile library as a kid—seeing shelves lined with books and using his library card for the first time. He argues that the Mobile Library Van doesn’t just deliver books; it fosters lifelong memories and connects people to their community.
The Community’s Voice
According to Councillor Thaler, over 500 people in the community recently voiced their opinions on the Mobile Library Service, with the majority strongly in favor of keeping it. This isn’t just feedback; it’s a clear mandate from the community, and Thaler believes the council has a duty to listen. He’s urging the council to halt any plans to dispose of the van, emphasizing the importance of reflecting the voices of the people they serve.
Thaler’s point here is simple: the Mobile Library Van is a service that community members have come to rely on, whether it’s bringing new books to isolated residents or creating a much-needed social touchpoint for seniors, parents, and kids.
How to Fund It
Let’s talk money—because it always comes down to that, right? Thaler suggests funding the mobile library by reallocating resources from SMRC’s communications team. He views it as an overstaffed department that could afford to lose one Full-Time Equivalent, or FTE, to keep the library van rolling. Given that the council’s total budget sits around $150 million, Thaler argues this is a small adjustment that can make a big difference.
This isn’t just about the library van. Thaler’s proposal sends a message about prioritizing ratepayer dollars for services that have tangible, positive impacts. For those frustrated with the council’s spending habits, this proposal may resonate as a refreshing way to rethink what’s essential.
Future Possibilities and Added Benefits
But Thaler isn’t stopping at just “saving” the van—he wants to see it evolve. Imagine the library van as a mini-hub for community engagement. Thaler suggests it could serve as a pop-up location where residents can give council feedback directly, and with the addition of Starlink, it could even offer free Wi-Fi for those who lack internet access at home. It’s an innovative take that would expand the library’s role from a book provider to a central point for public engagement and digital inclusion.
And, as Thaler puts it, the van itself is a moving piece of local art, showcasing SMRC’s colors and logo. He sees it as a mobile promotion vehicle that compensates for some of the council’s communication gaps by bringing SMRC’s services directly to the people.
Why Now?
Finally, why the urgency? Thaler has spoken to the mayor and has asked for this matter to be handled quickly to prevent the van from being sold off. For Thaler, this isn’t just a logistical issue—it’s about preserving a service that’s woven into the fabric of the community.
So, to wrap up, Thaler’s proposal is more than just a call to save a library van; it’s about community priorities, spending accountability, and the value of keeping services accessible. It’s clear he’s passionate about this cause, and he’s urging the council to listen to the people they represent.
That’s it for today’s episode. We’ll keep you updated as this motion unfolds, and as always, we welcome your thoughts and comments. Is the Mobile Library Van something you’d like to see on the road? Let us know!
Share this article, spread the word, and demand change. The truth belongs to all of us, but only if we have the courage to claim it. Together, we can shine a light on the shadows of governance and bring accountability back from the brink.
But remember... the next move isn’t up to them. It’s up to you. Because in the Snowy Monaro, transparency isn’t just a policy—it’s the difference between light and dark.
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