One of the specifications for the bus, built by Whangarei's City Motorhomes and Caravans, was to allow for up to 20 pre-schoolers to be seated on the floor while being read to.
"We want to promote reading and literacy to younger people and this is a great vehicle for that," Mr Davidson said.
"The mirror gives it an illusion of being bigger and the lights had the kids yelling. We wanted people to get a wow factor when they got on and this has achieved that."
Up to six adults can fit comfortably in the bus and peruse the literary options.
Because the bus is smaller than its predecessor, library staff with a standard driver's licence can take it on the road. Plus it is much more manoeuvrable, allowing staff to negotiate narrow driveways more easily.
The old bus was bought as a second-hand model in 2003, and was offered to other libraries. There was no interest so "Big Red" will go under the hammer at Turners Auctions in Whangarei.
The mobile library serves preschools and retirement villages, as well as beaches in the summer, and clocked up 298,000km while in service for Whangarei Library.
If you would like to see when the new mobile bus will be in your neighbourhood check www.whangarei-libraries.com and follow the mobile library link.