Renfrewshire’s mobile library service has reached thousands of people as the scale of its outreach was revealed during an evaluation exercise.
The Skoobmobile, which promotes a love of reading across communities, has been running in the local authority for more than a decade.
Analysis has shown the impact the bus has had, confirming it engaged with more than 10,000 children and 2000 adults throughout 2024 and 2025.
The figures were disclosed in a report to the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee – a task force focusing on support for those affected by poverty and the current economic environment – on Wednesday.
The paper, authored by Annabelle Walter, connected communities manager, explained: “The Skoobmobile plays an important role in providing a mobile public library service in areas where public libraries are not available or are less accessible.
“During 2024/25, the outreach service has carried out 476 visits, engaging with 10,014 children and 2378 adults.
“The service has also been instrumental in encouraging families to join Renfrewshire libraries, with 91 new registrations and 2591 books borrowed over the year.
“The service provided a wide range of support through nursery and school visits, bedtime reading and Bookbug sessions, attendance at gala days and outreach provision in communities.
“The Skoobmobile staff also worked closely with the whole family wellbeing service to add value to their service.
“In autumn, public Wi-Fi was installed onboard the Skoobmobile, which is now a digizone offering free Wi-Fi access throughout Renfrewshire.
“Staff are also working with digital champions about offering support at outreach visits to promote the databank, digital assistance and onboard Wi-Fi.
“The bus is also in great demand during the school holidays, giving families free access to activities without having to travel or make and keep reservations.
“It is an important part of the council’s summer of fun programme, providing flexibility to deliver services in areas where there are no other activities being delivered.
“The service continues to deliver a programme promoting learning through play, books and digital activity which has literacy and a love of reading at its core.”
As part of its budget-setting process last month, Renfrewshire Council committed £300,000 to fund the replacement of the vehicle as it tries to modernise the service moving forward.
A new model will be developed to inform the specification of both the service and vehicle, ensuring maximum impact for children and communities.
Share