Decision details

The current Mobile library is approaching end of life. We are undertaking work to look at options for the mobile library as part of the wider service transformation. An opportunity has arisen to apply for external funding to replace the vehicle.
The Library Improvement Fund is designed to enable library services across England to invest in a range of projects to upgrade buildings and technology so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them.
The funding would be used to replace the existing mobile library with a smaller, more versatile vehicle that will increase opportunities to provide books, digital resources and educational support to predominantly rural communities and to further increase access to wider Council services.
The decision required is for approval for the submission of an Expression of Interest for funding of £150,000

To submit an expression of interest to the Libraries Improvement Fund for funding to replace the current mobile library.

If successful, the application for funding will enable the continued delivery of mobile library services to rural communities and create opportunities for extended library provision and for partnership working with other Council services.

Option 1- Do not replace – The current vehicle is approaching end of life and failure to provide a replacement vehicle would have a detrimental impact on rural communities most distant from branch libraries and those less able to travel through lack of transport or cost

Option 2- Replace with like for like – The current vehicle is too large to access some areas of
the County reducing the options to develop the mobile library service.

Option 3- replace with an electric vehicle- Whilst this would be a positive contribution to the Council net zero ambitions, the technology is not sufficiently developed to provide the range required (current max is 111 miles) and provision of fast chargers would be required. The weight of the batteries would also significantly reduce stock capacity. The cost of an electric vehicle is significantly greater.

Option 4- replace with a delivery van to drop off books with customers- There would be reduced opportunity to develop new audiences/deliver wider services.