Penrith Council accelerates Library services with launch of their second electric vehicle

Penrith City Council Community is making it easier for their community to access library services with the launch of a second electric vehicle.

‘Evie’, Council’s second electric vehicle, is zooming around the City helping Library staff provide essential services to the community, including the delivery of books and toys to residents who need them. 

An official launch of the eco-friendly van was held last week in celebration of Library and Information Week.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the 100% electric vehicle benefits the community while serving as a reminder of Council’s commitment to a cleaner future. 

Mayor Hitchen enthused “Council is really proud to launch Evie, our newest electric vehicle which is great for the environment with low emissions and reduced running costs compared to a standard car or van.

“We have seen firsthand the benefits of using an eco-friendly vehicle and understand why it’s a valuable resource in assisting Council staff to deliver much-needed services within our community. 

“Some residents are unable to attend Council’s libraries in person, so Evie provides the opportunity for our Library team to go directly to community members – either putting smiles on young faces through our Toy Library Outreach Service or delivering books, DVDs and iPads to our less mobile or unwell library members, as part of the weekly Home Library Service.

“Council sees the importance of our libraries and how they enrich the lives of our residents; Evie was purchased to enable staff to better serve the community and enhance our Pop-Up Library offering in an environmentally conscious way.”

Council’s first electric vehicle, a Renault Kangoo, has covered just over 44,500km while being recharged using 100% GreenPower, with a recharging cost of only $911 over three years (as of Feb 2022).

The second electric vehicle joins Council’s fleet to build on existing work in the sustainability space, and to better serve the community going forward.  

Membership to Libraries is free to all NSW residents. There is no age limit, and each family member can receive a library card to borrow physical and digital resources

To find out more about Council’s libraries and the many services, events and activities on offer, visit penrith.city/library

Image top: Library staff at the official launch of Council’s second electric vehicle; image above (from left) Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen, Library Services Manager Sarah Dean, and Council’s Director Community and People, Sandy Davies.