Worcestershire libraries set to get new mobile electric bus
It will replace one of the older vehicles currently in use
Last updated 15th Apr 2024
Worcestershire libraries are set to get a new mobile library electric bus.
The county council have been awarded over £300,000 to replace one of the current library vans with a newer version.
Kate Holford is delivery manager for the libraries across the county and says it will help with the sustainability of the service.
She said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have been successful and have the opportunity to progress this project.
"The service is really valued and loved by the people that use it and we make over 2,500 visits out a year to local communities for them to access the mobile library.
"One of the existing buses we have is 20-years-old, so this new bus will ensure we don't have any breakdowns or mechanical issues and allow us to really make sure it's sustainable going forward."
A new library outreach programme will also start across the county.
This will include visits to schools, and Kate says the service has a big impact on those who use it.
"It's really important to their lives and their well-being," Kate said.
"We get loads of positive comments and feedback about how important it is to them, and that without the bus they wouldn't be able to access services because they can't travel themselves.
"They might not even talk to anyone that week if it wasn't for it, and it's an exciting innovation to go out and reach people who haven't used our services before."
The new bus is expected to be in operation in 2025.