Shetland Library launches new mobile library van

Shetland Library has launched a new bespoke mobile library van named ‘Tammie Stories’ to serve rural communities across the islands. The vehicle, which replaces a van that has been in service for over ten years, was officially unveiled by Davie Sandison, chair of the Shetland Islands Council’s education and families committee.

Despite being slightly shorter than its predecessor, the new van features an improved internal layout and can carry approximately 2,282 items, which is about 200 more than the previous vehicle. Staff have described the new capacity as a “book tardis”. The van was built by Houston Coachworks Ltd in Northern Ireland using a chassis from NI Trucks as part of the Council’s Fleet Management rolling upgrade programme.

The mobile library service has operated in Shetland since 1964 and currently manages 12 routes on a six-weekly rotating schedule, reaching areas from Unst to Sumburgh. The service provides a vital resource for residents in outlying areas and has recently increased its visits to rural schools and static stops, such as locations outside rural shops.