STAFF running Kirklees mobile libraries are struggling to cope with graffiti, vandalism, verbal abuse and arson.
Now the problems have got so bad that CCTV has had to be fitted to the vehicles.
Co-ordinator Diane Besford revealed the mobile vans which criss-cross Kirklees are a regular target for anti-social behaviour.
Attacks on the mobile libraries and staff are now so bad that council chiefs have called for a run-down on problems faced by the service.
Ms Besford said: "The vehicles are manned by just one person and the situation is so bad we've had to install CCTV and recording equipment.
"We have problems across the community in a number of areas.
"It is mainly teenagers but there are also younger ones getting involved."
She said staff were threatened and sworn at as well as seeing libraries attacked by yobs who daubed slogans on the sides.
In one terrifying incident youths tried to torch a stationary library with someone inside.
Ms Besford added: "We have changed the times of our stops and also the length of our visits to nip trouble in the bud.
"We have also been forced to pull out of areas for a few weeks to cool situations down."
She added: "It's absolutely heartbreaking not to be able to get the books to people.
"We have a great team who are 100% dedicated and want to give the public the best service."
Clr Jean Calvert chaired the regeneration overview and scrutiny panel which heard the distressing catalogue of attacks.
"It's just not on. We won't stand for it. Anyone who takes part in this anti-social behaviour will be pursued to the full extent of the law," she said.
