Mobile Libraries

Why are there mobile libraries?

For many people, mobile libraries provide the only means of gaining regular access to the library and information service. Within Shropshire, mobile libraries provide a service to small and isolated rural settlements and communities, as well as to some of the more significant rural communities.

There are agreed criteria on where services are provided by mobile libraries and these are reviewed regularly. Currently, stops are not normally within two miles of a Level 1 or Level 2 library, or within one mile of a Level 3 or Level 4 library. There are mobile libraries visiting all parts of Shropshire, bringing the service closer to you. There are seven vehicles that visit over 600 places, mainly on a fortnightly cycle, which are available to everyone:

• Bridgnorth Mobile Library
• Bishop's Castle Mobile Library
• Ludlow Mobile Library
• Oswestry Rural Mobile Library
• Oswestry Urban Mobile Library
• Shrewsbury Mobile Library
• Whitchurch Mobile Library

In addition, there are two specially fitted vehicles:

• Community Care Mobile Library, providing services to older people and disabled people across Shropshire
• School Library Service Mobile Library, which 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. The request service via the Community Care Mobile Library is free of charge.

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.

Mobile library staffing

Most mobile library routes are single-staffed by a trained driver/assistant. Very busy routes have support from a library assistant. Management of the service and additional library assistant and administrative support are provided through the base library.

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 Shropmap, Shropshire Council's interactive mapping website and a calendar showing route numbers and dates.

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