Rather than paying for commercial driver’s licenses to pilot its eight-year-old book bus, the King County Library System is considering buying a smaller vehicle for $300,000.

Its staff had been driving the Library2Go bus for a few years before it discovered that Washington had changed its laws about what needs a commercial license. It was the only vehicle sidelined.

It would cost thousands each year to pay for the CDL licenses, said Nancy Smith, director of outreach services. “We didn’t really want to get into that business.”

The red bright van stops on Mercer Island, in the Town Center at places like Island House and Ellsworth House.

The system hasn’t officially decided on the new book van. It would likely be discussed for next year’s budget. It has been juggling its other vans to fill in the service gaps.

Most of KCLS’ libraries on wheels are used for early literacy. They stop by day cares to encourage kids to check out books. It also has a number of computer lab trucks that offer traveling computer classes.