Hamilton's Mobile Library: Books on the Move
In the 1960s, Hamilton Public Libraries shifted from a subscription-based model to free membership, prompting a surge in library usage across the city. At the time, only two branches existed, one in Frankton and one in the central city. As the city’s population grew, the libraries struggled to meet demand, especially as public transport was unreliable and parking in the CBD remained a challenge.
To better serve residents in outlying suburbs, the Hamilton Mobile Library was launched on 10 March 1975. Built on a Bedford SB3 chassis, the mobile unit could carry up to 3,000 books. It quickly became an essential service, operating every weekday and a half-day on Saturdays.
Though on wheels, the mobile library functioned just like any other branch. Patrons could borrow and return books, renew their loans, register as new members, and request specific titles. On board was a battery-powered computer, a microfiche catalogue, and specially angled shelves designed to keep books in place during transit.
In its first year alone, the mobile library issued an impressive 84,986 items. Its popularity also provided valuable insight into the city’s growing need for permanent branches, with suburbs like Hillcrest and Chartwell emerging as top priorities.
However, the service’s success came with challenges. Staff worked in cramped conditions and often didn’t have enough time at each stop to fully meet the needs of patrons. As new library branches opened throughout the city, six by the mid-1990s, usage of the mobile library declined significantly.
Eventually, the ageing vehicle was retired and sold, later converted into a campervan by its new owners. Though no longer in service, the mobile library played a vital role in shaping Hamilton’s library network and expanding access to books and services across the city.
