Name Epos Type Floating library Length 24 m | Owner Vinnes Skyssbåtservice Launched 1963 Builder Strandebarm | |
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Status in active service, as of 2012 | ||
Epos is a floating library that operates in the counties of Hordaland, Sogn og Fjordane and Møre og Romsdal in Norway. The service started in 1959 and visits tiny places in the three counties twice a year. In 2005 the ship was in service 126 days per year, lending 53,300 books.
The ship has room for 6,000 books. The rest of the 20,000 books are at any given time lent out. In addition it is often supplemented with cultural activities for children, including musicians or drama. Often this is the only cultural services provided in the places it visits. The ship is manned with a captain, an able seaman, three librarians and one or two performers. The service is funded by the county libraries in the three counties.
History
The first floating library service started in 1959 using a range of ships. The first custom-built ship was put into service in 1963. It is built at Oma Yard and is 24 m (80 ft) long. The ship is owned by Vinnes Skyssbåtservice, and is used for tourist cruises in the summer.