The new library, which is 28ft long and weights 7.5 tonnes, holds up to 2,000 books and will bring the fleet of mobile libraries in the city up to six.

The custom-made truck cost around £90,000.

For its first stop it will be heading to Compton Road in Harehills to act as a temporary replacement for the library which closes today for a major refurbishment.

The new mobile library will be in place from Monday to offer a range of services from Leeds City Council's Library and Information Service, which includes two computers with free internet access for public use.
Computers

It will be supported by a second, smaller mobile library, which has been converted into an IT truck with a further eight internet-ready computers which will also be available to the public.

Coun John Procter, executive member for leisure, said: "We are very pleased to have our new mobile library and IT truck available, and we hope they will be well used at Compton Road.

"We are confident they will provide a very high level of service for our customers who used the main library, but ask for their patience and understanding as the new temporary service gets started"

The new mobile library will be open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.

The adjoining IT truck will be open from 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.