Back on the road: mobile library returns to rural communities

North Lincolnshire’s mobile library is back on the road after extensive repairs and refurbishment work – keeping the much-loved service running safely and reliably for rural communities.

The loved vehicle has undergone a major overhaul, with extensive structural repairs – including a brand new floor – making sure it can continue delivering books, learning and support to residents.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Libraries matter and that includes making sure rural communities are not left behind.

“We continue to invest in libraries in North Lincolnshire at a time when many councils are cutting them back or closing them altogether – we do things differently here because we focus on the what is best for residents.

“We have promised to keep libraries open – and this mobile library is an important part of that wider commitment – bringing books, learning and services directly into communities in villages and market towns.”

The council has committed to buy a new electric mobile library however this refurbishment ensures residents continue to have access to books, learning and library services while the new one is built.

Every three weeks the mobile library visits dozens of communities, schools and neighbourhood stops across North Lincolnshire.

This includes Alkborough, Althorpe, Appleby, Barnetby, Barrow upon Humber, Belton, Bonby, Burringham, Burton upon Stather, Coleby, Dragonby, East Halton, East Lound, Eastoft, Flixborough, Garthorpe, Greetwell, Gunness, Gunthorpe, Hibaldstow, Holme, Howsham, Keadby, Kirmington, Luddington, New Holland, Normanby, North Killingholme, Risby, Roxby, Scawby, South Ferriby, South Killingholme, Thealby, Thornton Curtis, Ulceby, West Butterwick, West Halton, Westwoodside, Whitton, Winteringham, Wootton, Worlaby, Wrawby and Wroot,

It also calls at schools, mobile home parks and rural villages where access to services can be more limited. Routes operate across Mondays to Fridays on rotating three-weekly schedules.

Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for rural communities and market towns, said: “For many residents the mobile library is far more than a van delivering books. It is a regular community service that helps people stay connected, keeps children engaged with reading and learning, and supports residents who may struggle to travel further afield.

“It reaches communities right across North Lincolnshire every week and we know how valued it is by the people who use it.”

Libraries across North Lincolnshire now support residents with everything from borrowing books and accessing computers to community activities, study space and digital inclusion support, alongside initiatives such as the Imagination Library scheme which has gifted more than one million books to young children across the area.

Full mobile library route timetables and stopping points are available on the council’s website.