Tuk-tuk in to a good book with Portsmouth City Council’s new all-electric library on wheels

The first of two tuk-tuks has arrived in Portsmouth courtesy of the city council to bring books to areas without their own brick-and-mortar libraries.

Funded by Arts Council England, these all-electric rickshaws will offer a small collection of stories to browse and borrow, while also promoting archives and other council services.

With the second soon to follow, residents will start seeing these libraries on wheels across the city.

David Percival, library and archive service manager at Portsmouth City Council, said: “We’re thrilled the first tuk-tuk has arrived in Portsmouth and is ready to use to promote library services in the city.

“We’ve waited quite a while for these vehicles to be designed and manufactured as it’s not like going to your local car dealer.

“They’re real labours of love, and the conversions are done by a very small team.”

Cllr Steve Pitt

The council received a total of £100,000 through the Libraries Improvement Fund – the rest of which will go towards new meeting spaces and office pods at the Central and North End Libraries.

Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, added: “I’m pleased to see the first of our library tuk-tuks arrive.

“This is a really exciting development, as the two vehicles will complement the mobile service, meaning our residents are never too far away from their libraries.”

• portsmouth.gov.uk

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