months.

The $100,000 Bookmobile will tour the Island offering a choice of up to 3,500 books for all ages of readers.

And it is adapted to cater for wheelchair-bound readers wishing to use its facilities.

The Bookmobile arrived in Bermuda this week from England, via New Jersey. It is a specially built vehicle made by Gripp Vehicle Equipment Ltd. of Essex.

However, before it is allowed to tour the Island, it must first be passed by the Transport Control Department.

Bermuda's Head Librarian, Mr. Cyril Packwood said: "It is exciting. This is something new for Bermuda.

"It is something my predecessors all discussed and wanted. The Minister, the Hon. Leonard Gibbons was able to pull it off and get the money for the Bookmobile.

"It will be replacing the branches which are now closed in Somerset and St.

George's. But it will also travel to each parish in the Island, stopping for various amounts of time.'' Mr. Packwood said that the schedule detailing where and when the library will stop in each parish would be published later this year.

He added: "The Bookmobile will hold about 3,500 volumes including books for children, teenagers and adults.'' THE BOOKMOBILE -- Bermuda's first mobile library has arrived on Hamilton docks. Pictured in front of the new facility are (from left) Mr. Frank Shipperley of the British manufacturers, Gripp, library official Mrs. Louise Jackson, Head Librarian Mr. Cyril Packwood, Public Transport Board official Mr. Mark Fields and Director of Community Affairs Mr. Lowdru Robinson.