Termination of the library bus service and replacement service solutions
The welfare committee decided (May 7, 2026) to discontinue the library bus’ operation in its current form as part of the municipality’s measures to balance its finances. The decision has been difficult but necessary. At the same time, we want to inform residents that new operating models are being prepared and piloted to ensure the accessibility of library services.
The current library bus has reached the end of its service life in this role. Continuing to operate the vehicle in its present form would have required significant investment in acquiring new equipment.
The professional staff of the library services have planned new, flexible ways to bring library and reading services into residents’ daily lives. Various solutions have already been tested in cooperation with early childhood education, schools and the library. For example, books have been delivered to Harviala School on long-term loan, and the activities are being developed based on the experiences gained.
To develop reading skills, joint project funding has also been sought together with comprehensive education and early childhood education for the project: “Creating New Reading Paths”. The aim is to find new kinds of solutions particularly to support children’s reading.
The municipality will develop and pilot, among other things:
- small lobby libraries and reading corners in schools,
- transporting books to designated units on an agreed schedule,
- strengthening cooperation between the library, schools and daycares,
- raising awareness of and improving access to home services for the elderly, and
- outreach (mobile) library services together with other services as part of developing the service network.
Regarding the library bus, it was decided that the vehicle will primarily be put up for sale. Donating it to charity was seen as important, but given the financial situation, generating proceeds is also important for the municipality. Any proceeds from the vehicle would be directed to measures promoting reading skills. If the sale does not materialize, the vehicle may be donated to charity.
Although the form of service is changing, the goal remains to ensure that library services reach residents as effectively as possible in the future as well.
The meeting minutes will be available here once they have been published. (in Finnish)
Further information:
Chair of the welfare committee Satu Anttila, 050 388 9517
Welfare director Hanna Paikkala, 040 832 2535