The mobile library service focuses on ensuring those living in rural areas have access to library services. The following criteria for stops apply:
- stops should not normally be within a two mile radius of a branch library
- stops will be concentrated on village centres with one stop per village wherever possible
- stops should not normally be within one mile of each other by road
- stops will coincide with other village activities where possible.
There are five mobile libraries:
- Bridgnorth Mobile Library
- Bishop's Castle Mobile Library
- Ludlow Mobile Library
- Oswestry Rural Mobile Library
- Whitchurch Mobile Library
From April 2012 there will be four mobile libraries. For more information follow the link to Mobile Libraries Review 2012.
In addition, a School Library Service Mobile Library visits primary and special schools.
Stock on a mobile library
The range and level of book and audio-visual stock on the public mobile libraries is similar to that of Level 4 libraries. Regular exchanges of stock enable the reduced size of shelf stock to provide maximum choice. Mobile libraries also draw on the stocks of base or other libraries to cater for special or individual needs and demands. The request service gives access to the lending stock of Shropshire Libraries and to the inter-library lending service.
Reference and information
Mobile libraries have very basic general reference materials but they are part of the wider information network and can provide referral to other resources. They are also access points to community information services.
Further information
Follow the links on this page for further information, including a complete list of public mobile stops listed alphabetically, maps showing the exact location of every stop (using Localview, Shropshire Council's interactive mapping website) and a calendar showing route numbers and dates.