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The project has been supported by funding of over £309k from the Government’s Libraries Improvement Fund, administered by the Arts Council England, with an additional £40,000 from council match funding from section 106 funds.
The new vehicle will enable the Council to bring books, digital access and community activities into rural and disadvantaged areas as well as new housing developments where cultural infrastructure is limited, while operating more flexibly and with a lower carbon footprint.
At the launch, which took place at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare, residents explored the vehicle, spoke with the Libraries team about the refreshed outreach offer, and heard how on‑board features will support children’s literacy, digital inclusion, early years activity, cultural engagement and work‑skills development.
Speeches at the launch
Cllr Mike Solomon, Cabinet Member for Culture, Community Services and Safety at North Somerset Council said: “Thank you for joining us to celebrate a genuinely exciting moment for North Somerset. Today we’re not just unveiling a new vehicle; we’re launching a more inclusive, flexible and sustainable way of bringing library services to people... This new electric outreach vehicle helps us reach rural communities, new housing developments and areas where access to culture has been more limited - with a lower carbon footprint... it changes how we deliver: books and reading, on‑board Wi‑Fi and digital skills, early years and cultural activities, information and guidance, and space for work‑skills.
“I'd like to sincerely thank Arts Council England for the financial support that made this possible through the Libraries Improvement Fund. Their investment - over £309,000 - backed our commitment to redesign outreach, not just replace a van.
“...Libraries are about opportunity for everyone - about removing barriers to reading, learning and culture. This electric outreach vehicle helps us do exactly that, in more places and for more people, while supporting our environmental ambitions and our commitment to a modern, responsive library service.”
Philli Milne, a relationship manager from Arts Council England, said: “This innovative project marks an exciting step forward in making a more accessible, sustainable and modern library service for communities across North Somerset. But, more importantly, it represents something far bigger – a commitment to bringing creativity, knowledge and opportunity directly to people who can benefit from it most.
“At Arts Council England our work begins with people. We invest in creativity and culture because they make lives happier, healthier and more fulfilled. Libraries play a vital role in supporting wellbeing, inspiring imagination and creating spaces where everyone – regardless of background – can learn, explore and feel connected.
“...Todays launch is a celebration of what happens when local ambitions and national investment come together. It's about a future where libraries continue to evolve, remain relevant and stay truly rooted in the needs of the people they serve.”
What’s new and why it matters:
Backed by the Libraries Improvement Fund, the project is about redesigning outreach, not simply replacing a vehicle. The new electric mobile library is:
- Smaller, more flexible and fully accessible – enabling visits to places with tighter parking or road restrictions, and with features shaped by user consultation.
- Equipped with on‑board Wi‑Fi and adaptable interior space – supporting digital access and skills, early years sessions, cultural activities and information/advice drop‑ins.
- Part of a lower‑carbon, cost‑efficient approach to delivering library services on the move.
- Be fully accessible in design, shaped by user consultation to ensure the vehicle works for everyone.
These improvements will help the service reach rural communities, new developments and areas facing disadvantage, while continuing book‑lending at popular stops.
Mini launch visits are now coming to the library’s regular stops:
Residents who couldn’t attend today’s event can still get a first look. Over the next two weeks, the electric outreach vehicle will make a series of mini‑launch visits at its regular mobile library stops. The libraries team will be on hand to show people around, explain the new features and answer questions about the refreshed offer.
Timetabled stop times will remain as usual during this period. Full details are available via the mobile library timetable and the North Somerset Libraries webpage.