THE future of mobile library services on the Southern Downs could be decided within months.

The new council will have to decide whether to replace the existing van or cancel mobile library services in the region by the end of the year.

The popular mobile library has faced an uncertain future after the previous council voted not to replace the aging mobile library vehicle in 2014.

Last year, that decision was changed and the existing mobile library service was extended for two years.

When the last council met for the final time in February, they discussed a number of options for replacing the existing mobile library.

At the time, CEO David Keenan told the council it would not be an easy thing to decide.

“We cannot delay the inevitable replacement of the mobile library,” he said.

Three replacement options were presented to the council.

The first option was to the replace the existing mobile library truck with a similar vehicle – an option that could cost ratepayers more than half-a-million dollars.

While the truck would continue to allow a walk-in library service, it would face similar challenges to the existing truck including staffing, licensing and storage.

Another option proposed in a report to the council was for a mobile-home sized vehicle.

The smaller vehicle would cost approximately $200,0000 and could access smaller stops such as nursing homes.

The vehicle would also be able to incorporate wheel chair access and WIFI.

However, it would not be able to carry as many books as the current service.

The cheapest option proposed could see the mobile library become an Iveco Daily-sized van, which would serve more as a delivery van.

The van would cost just $83,000 and be able to visit more towns, including around the Stanthorpe area.

Despite the cost benefit, the van would not be able to stock a large range of books like the current mobile library.

The then community services manager Sheila Stebbings said she believed the mobile-home sized vehicle would be the most well-received.

“It can still deliver services and would not be too far removed from the what we have now,” she said.

“The libraries so far at not in favour of the smallest vehicle.”

The council is expected to undertake further consultation with the community before making a decision on the replacement.