Rural communities are benefitting from better library access as a new mobile vehicle brimming with books and signposting to other key services has taken to North Yorkshire’s roads.
The former supermobile library, which was in service for 14 years, has been replaced with a smaller, more versatile vehicle.
It is visiting 41 communities every four weeks, comprising 23 existing stops and 18 new ones. The new stops include Horton in Ribblesdale, Birstwith, Escrick and Scorton.
It is well equipped with a selection of books and digital resources and provides a vital link to our other services for those living in rural areas.
On board, there are more than 1,500 books for children and adults. People can borrow and renew books, sign-up to become a library member, and reserve items for collection at a specific stop.
The mobile library will host events in partnership with public health, early years, and other services to promote literacy, digital inclusion, and healthier living.
It carries a range of information about local services and resources to support wellbeing, including a blood pressure monitor. Free Wi-Fi is also available, and IT volunteers are being recruited to offer digital support.
Our executive member for libraries, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “The replacement of our existing mobile library has been a long time in the making, and is thanks to the work of our staff and volunteers.
“As the new vehicle takes to the roads, the existing stops have been reviewed and new ones added.
“I would encourage everybody to check our website to see if there’s a stop near you. It is a much-loved service and it’s important that people make use of it for generations to come.”
In the first four weeks of running, the vehicle has had 212 visitors at the new stops, including 72 new library members. Across all 41 locations, it was visited by 738 people.
Nick Lombard has driven the previous mobile library for five years to stops spanning the Yorkshire coast, the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Wolds and the Yorkshire Dales.
He said: “Our new mobile library is smaller, but it is much more comfortable to drive, having an automatic transmission, air suspension, built-in satnav, and all the features you would expect in a modern van.
“Being smaller, it is easier to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces and is better adapted for travelling down narrow country lanes to reach remote rural villages.
“I am delighted that we have more than doubled the number of places we visit. Our customers are always happy to see us, and I enjoy helping them to choose books and have a chat.
“They are mostly elderly and retired and this is a lifeline for them. It is also very satisfying to be able to welcome local primary schools and encourage young people to read for pleasure.”
Horton in Ribblesdale has been added as a new stop for the mobile library and has been welcomed by the local community.
Cllr Liz Hornby, who sits on Horton in Ribblesdale Parish Council, said: “The mobile library’s inaugural visit to our village was a lovely and very welcome experience.
“It was great to see such an accessible service being brought directly to the community, and the range of books on offer was impressive for a first visit.
“The staff were friendly, helpful, and clearly keen to make it a success. It’s a promising start, and we’re really looking forward to future visits and seeing this service become a regular part of village life.”
The new vehicle has been funded by a £150,000 grant from the Arts Council England's Library Improvement Fund, which enables libraries to invest in projects, so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them.
Library members can use their card at any branch, including the new mobile vehicle.