A LIBRARY tricycle is set to bring the love of reading to residents of Tavistock.

Staff at Tavistock Library used the inspiration of a library bike in Wellington, New Zealand, to develop their own wheels.

Funded to the tune of £1,500 by leading housing association LiveWest, the new Library Book Tricycle will be launched on July 20 and will target three Tavistock estates.

The aim is to raise awareness of the free opportunities provided by Tavistock Library and will target families who feel excluded from the services provided by the library.

The Library Book Trike will offer free children’s books and staff will provide story time for younger children.

With an emphasis on promoting a love of reading, the Book Trike project will also see copies of the ‘Tavy in Touch’, a booklet containing information on the useful services in Tavistock, handed out to the public.

LiveWest Community Connector Alison Knight said: ‘This is such a wonderful idea and a great way to promote reading to residents in Tavistock.

‘We have put money into this project because this will bring library services out into the community and give people the change to access them who ordinarily might feel excluded.

‘It is important everyone has an opportunity to sample what the library has to offer and this is a unique way of making sure this happens.

‘It is fantastic that we are part of such an exciting project to run pop-up events on our estates and boost literacy across the summer holidays with free books for children.’

Tavistock Library has planned to hold an Out of this World children’s event this summer.

It will include a space-themed Summer Reading Challenge, a visit from a mobile planetarium, a workshop on making rockets and a series of science talks delivered by staff and students from Exeter and Plymouth Universities.

The Tavistock Book Trike and staff from Tavistock Library will be at this year’s Tavistock Carnival parade.

Tavistock Library’s first assistant Denise Gatley said: ‘We are so excited about this project and very grateful to Alison Knight and LiveWest for their generous support and enthusiasm.

‘The Book Trike will act as a fun mobile extension for Tavistock Library, enabling us to reach out and raise awareness of what’s on offer to those who may not use their local library.

‘There is so much more to a library than books. We offer numerous free services, activities and events for all ages. 

‘There really is something for everyone.

‘Tavistock Library is such a lively, friendly resource. We want every member of the community to feel they are welcome and know we are here for them.’

Phone 01822 612218 or visit Tavistock Library’s Facebook page for details.