BOOK-lovers in some of the remotest parts of North Yorkshire will soon have more space to browse - thanks to a new mobile library.

A new "supermobile" is about to take to the roads to reach the more rural communities.

The new vehicle, which is 12 metres in length, will have lending, reference and a range of networked ICT facilities including free public access to the Internet via two terminals.

The vehicle will hold more than 3,000 items of new stock, including books, videotapes, DVDs and audio books.

Larger than the usual mobile libraries, the vehicle comes with lower-rising entrance steps - a new design enabling easier access - and there is also a separate lift available for the disabled.

For those who are hard of hearing, the vehicle has an induction loop and barriers between the staff and customers have been removed with a counter designed to be customer-friendly and which adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for libraries, Carl Les, said: "A small number of our existing library and information centres present difficulties for people with mobility problems.

"The new supermobile will initially be visiting those sites that are currently not compliant with the new Disability Discrimination Act.

"The new vehicle represents state-of-the-art vehicle design and technology and is an impressive addition to our mobile fleet."

During December the vehicle will be serving communities in Grassington, Kirkbymoorside, Masham, Pateley Bridge and Sleights on a weekly basis.

The mobile library will be in Kirkbymoorside and Sleights on Mondays, in Masham and Pateley Bridge on Wednesdays, Cowling on Thursdays and in Grassington on Fridays.