Wiltshire Council has unveiled two brand new mobile library vehicles designed to improve access to library services for residents across rural parts of the county and those living in care homes and supported housing.

The new vehicles will help deliver the public mobile library service to 318 stops across the county for residents that do not otherwise have easy access to a local library or hub. The launch forms part of the council’s work to reduce barriers to reading, learning, and connection and is a cost-effective solution to ensure everyone regardless of location, has access to library resources and services.

The vehicles have been designed and built by Torton Bodies Limited in Telford, specialists in mobile libraries for local authorities. Key features include a wheelchair-accessible lift, adjustable suspension for kerbside access, bench seating, shelving space, low-energy lighting, and air conditioning to improve comfort in hot weather.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement and Corporate Services, said: “In a rural county such as ours I am delighted that Wiltshire Council can enable the next generation of mobile libraries to take library services and information into our communities. Whether you are a new parent with a baby in the village, or an elderly person in a care home, or anyone who might find it difficult to travel far from home, the new mobile libraries will help us realise our strategic vision to reach people in and close to their homes, reducing the need to travel to access library services.”

The new vehicles replace ageing stock over 15 years old and feature engines that meet the latest standards for fuel efficiency and emissions. They are also part of Wiltshire Council’s wider fleet decarbonisation strategy – with a longer-term goal of moving towards all electric vehicles and expanding EV charging networks across council sites.

One vehicle will be based in Chippenham to serve the northern part of the county, while the other – the new Homes Mobile Library – is based in Warminster and focuses on care and supported schemes across Wiltshire.

More information about the mobile library service, including routes and timetables, is available on the council website: https://apps.wiltshire.gov.uk/librariesinformation/library/mobiles