Literature lovers are being asked to help name Lancashire County Council’s new mobile library based at Garstang. 

The vehicle, which is one of a six-strong mobile library fleet that’s being replaced, is expected to go into action in late February. 

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The library service is asking people to vote for their favourite names from a shortlist that includes Ride and Prejudice, Chitty Chitty Book Book, Great Transportations and Hardbacks of Notre Van.

Voters can choose from a shortlist of 11, with one of the top three names set to adorn the Garstang vehicle.

Voting is open until 5pm on Friday 17 January, with the winning names due to be announced the following week.

The view the list of names and to vote, visit the LCC libraries webpage.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “We’re hoping that people will join in and help us name our new mobile libraries. 

“We’ve invested over £800k in these new vehicles, which clearly demonstrates our commitment to this service. 

“We know how much the mobile library service is valued by our customers, and in the last year alone nearly 113,000 books have been borrowed from our mobile libraries. 

“They provide an important facility to some of the most rural parts of Lancashire, giving people the chance to borrow, renew or order books.” 

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In addition to the mobile library based at Gastang, the five other vehicles are at Heysham, Brierfield, Whalley, Clayton Green, and Ormskirk. Between them they make a total of 778 stops in communities across the county. 

The mobile libraries carry a wide range of books to suit all tastes. The titles are changed regularly, with new ones being added frequently. Books can also be ordered, just the same as in a static library. A variety of audio books and CDs are also available. 

They are fully accessible for people with mobility problems and disabilities. Each vehicle is fitted with low rise stairs and a passenger lift for easy access so that customers can board to select their own books. An induction loop system is also available for people with hearing impairments. 

New customers are always welcome and can join by going to the vehicle to be signed up. 

Anyone who lives in the UK can join a Lancashire library, either online or by visiting in person. Membership is free and there are no age restrictions.

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Will you be voting? What’s your favourite name? Let us know in the comments.