Quincy’s previous bookmobile service was part of the community for nearly 50 years. Generations of Quincyans have fond memories of the bookmobile coming to their school or neighborhood. Sadly, it was retired in 2003 due to budget problems and declining circulation, and since then, Quincy has deeply felt its loss.
We are thrilled to be bringing the bookmobile back with a fresh approach to serving its community. Since 2003, the needs, lifestyle, and social patterns of our community have changed. The Mobile Library will meet these changing needs by offering a comprehensive library experience and increasing access for people who can’t get to the library. While its stops may be different than the previous bookmobile, the heart of the Mobile Library remains the same: to bring the library out into the community and share the joy of libraries.
The Mobile Library will serve the community in three big ways:
- Provide early literacy programming and books to daycares and preschool programs.
- Visit community living facilities and multi-family housing complexes, offering a collection developed for multigenerational families and lifelong learning.
- Visit after-school programs to bring popular fiction and nonfiction books to school-aged children.
The Mobile Library will bring the entire library experience out into the community. In addition to books, this includes:
- Technology including iPads, laptops, and a document printer
- Internet access (the vehicle itself will be a Wi-Fi hotspot)
- QPL’s digital library of e-books, audiobooks, music, movies, databases, and more
- Knowledgeable library staff to answer your questions and guide you to resources
- Programming for children and adults
(While we call it the Mobile Library, it’s totally ok if you want to call it the Bookmobile. We love that name too.)
The Mobile Library is equipped with a wheelchair lift, so stairs will not be an obstacle. It will have a collection of large-print books. Books on CD will be available on request.
The Mobile Library project is completely funded by grants and donations from private organizations and individuals. No tax money has been used to fund this project. The project budget includes allowances for vehicle maintenance, on-board equipment and technology, collection development, saving for eventual vehicle replacement, and more.
We are currently evaluating how the Mobile Library can best serve the community. To have your neighborhood or organization considered as a regular Mobile Library stop, fill out this quick form.
When the Mobile Library is here, it can go to events in the community. The Library would love to come to special events in the meantime! To request the Library have a presence at your community event, please complete this form.