Book buses strengthen service and preparedness in the north
During a book bus conference for the two northernmost regional library operations, it was discussed how the mobile libraries can contribute both in everyday life and in times of crisis or war.
Book buses have long been an important part of library operations, especially in rural areas. But as society changes, they can also be given new tasks. At the book bus conference in Älvsbyn on June 11-12, the focus was on civil preparedness and total defense, that is, how book buses can be used in times of crisis or war, in addition to their traditional mission.
– We can no longer think that the buses should only contain books that are transported from point A to B. We have to think about other kinds of service as well. If the worst happens and there is war, the buses could be equipped with emergency boxes for wound care, provide heating or distribute supplies and water. says Marina Eklund at the Norrbotten Regional Library.
In peacetime, the book buses can function as local service centers, offer support for digital services, collect used batteries and contribute to social cohesion. Only the imagination sets the limits, but it is the library's organization and choice of support activities that determine what service their book bus offers.
Digital inclusion and preparedness
During the conference, researchers from Luleå University of Technology gave a lecture on digital participation and the different conditions that exist in cities and rural areas. The County Administrative Board provided information on digital payment services and supply readiness in times of war, while Umeå Municipality's emergency coordinator described how libraries and book buses can be used from a municipal crisis preparedness perspective. The participants talked about the activities that have been carried out on their book buses, including help with digital services, book talks, an art exhibition and musical performances.
– What inspiration I get from listening to everything you do for the citizens on your tours, someone is heard saying from the U-shaped conference table.
Conference participants from Norrbotten and Västerbotten gathered in Älvsbyn to discuss the role of the book bus.
Book buses then and now
The book bus is a well-proven concept, although its services have changed over the years. The first Swedish book bus rolled out of Borås as early as 1948. Initially, the book buses were seen as an experiment, but in 1965 they became an important part of the libraries' outreach activities and received state support. Since 1998, the responsibility has been municipal.
In Sweden there are currently about 70 book buses, of which almost a tenth are in Norrbotten. Here book buses run in Boden, Luleå, Gällivare, Kiruna and Piteå, and together they visit around 400 places over a period of six weeks. Västerbotten has book buses in Skellefteå and Umeå and a book van in Lycksele. There is also the Sami library bus Julla Májja.
The mobile units can be an invaluable resource for reaching remote and isolated areas in the event of a crisis. The conference in Älvsbyn shows that Norr- and Västerbotten are at the forefront of developing the book buses' uses.
Text: Linda Kvenås
Picture: Marina Eklund