North Somerset’s Electric Library Van ‘Molly’ Boosts Access With Record Outreach Success
By Community Correspondent
North Somerset Council is seeing a really positive response to its new electric library outreach van, “Molly”, which has been out and about since launching earlier this year.
In its first four months, the service has recorded 2,244 visits. That’s a noticeable jump compared to the same period last year, when the mobile library wasn’t fully running. The return of a proper travelling service has clearly made a difference, with people starting to rediscover what’s on offer.
A big part of the focus has been simply getting the word out again and encouraging people to drop in — especially families, schoolchildren, and anyone who hasn’t used the library service for a while.
Schools and community visits driving engagement
Molly has already been to a wide mix of places, including St Martin’s Primary in Worle, Birdwell School’s World Book Day event, Dundry Pre-School and Community Centre, Meadfield Community Centre, and Winford Manor.
These stops have helped bring reading closer to where people live and learn. They’ve also had a real impact, with more than 100 new library members signing up through outreach visits alone — many of them children and families.
More than just books on wheels
The van isn’t just about borrowing books. It’s also helped the library team connect with other local services and groups. Family Hubs and North Somerset Master Composters have both taken part in sessions, offering extra advice and support alongside the library offer.
That mix of services has made the visits feel more useful for families, rather than just a quick stop for books.
More visits planned across the area
There’s plenty more planned too. Upcoming stops include St Mary’s Primary in Portbury, St John’s Primary in Clevedon, and Birdwell School’s Summer Reading Challenge. The team is also continuing outreach work with Read Easy in Pill and Oldmixon.
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Molly will also visit community sites like the Greenfield Way Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site and continue working with partners such as SuperCulture, alongside regular scheduled stops across North Somerset.
Greener, more accessible libraries
Alongside improving access, the electric vehicle also helps reduce emissions — something the council says is an important part of the project.
The initiative has been supported with over £309,000 from the Government’s Libraries Improvement Fund, delivered by Arts Council England, plus £40,000 in council match funding from Section 106 contributions.
For the council, the aim now is simple: keep building momentum so more people across North Somerset can use and enjoy their local library service again.
