TWO new mobile library vans have been introduced in the Borders.

Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council have successfully added the vans to the fleet, ensuring the continuation of the service for book lovers and rural schools.

The fleet had been reduced earlier this year when one van was decommissioned.

The new additions will ensure the service can continue across the region.

The mobile libraries travel through communities in the Borders, making library services accessible in small towns and villages.

They bring books and a 'friendly face' to welcome users.

With the fleet now at full capacity, and refreshed with new books and e-resources, the mobile libraries will be able to visit rural primary schools to help support the education and reading of hundreds of pupils.

Councillor Carol Hamilton, executive member for housing and culture, said: "It is wonderful to have the mobile library fleet back to full capacity.

"It is a vitally important service that ensures that physical library services are accessible right across the region; they provide another touch point for communities to meet and support each other, and bring the world of books and culture to more remote doorsteps.

"Well done to Live Borders Library Service and the council teams for making this happen.

"I would encourage everyone to use the service in their areas."

The Live Borders mobile library service runs two routes across the region, east and west.

Full details of the routes, timings and stops can be found on the Live Borders web page.

Councillor Julie Pirone, executive member for education, youth development and lifelong learning, stated: "I am delighted to welcome the return of our fully operational mobile library service, with these fantastic new vans.

"Literacy and the joy of reading are so important for our young readers and in an age of smart phones and social media, the return of the service to schools helps support the development of young people and can inspire them through the wonderful word of books."

Fiona Colton, interim head of cultural services at Live Borders, said: "The two new mobile library vans signal our commitment to ensuring the mobile library service remains a key element of the Live Borders Library service.

"We recognise its importance in more remote communities and the pleasure it brings to people who visit and have a chat with our drivers."