Title
Phoenix Public Library Bookmobile Update
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee with information about Phoenix Public Library's recently acquired Bookmobile and the Bookmobile's initial service delivery plan.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Phoenix Public Library's Bookmobile was funded as part of City of Phoenix American Rescue Plan Act Community Investment Focus Area to establish a mobile library and extend library resources and services throughout Phoenix.
The Bookmobile is outfitted with approximately 2,500 items for check out featuring a diverse range of authors, genres and age levels. Seed Library items, Culture Passes, and access to free Wi-Fi will also be available. As part of Bookmobile visits, members of the community will be able sign up for a Phoenix Public Library card, learn about library resources from the designated Bookmobile team, and participate in Phoenix Public Library programs such as Storytimes, S.T.E./A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities, and more. The vehicle, designed and built by Farber Specialty Vehicles includes an accessible lift for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access and a 20-foot retractable awning to provide shade and shelter for outdoor access and activities.
Phoenix Public Library is currently working with our partners in the Neighborhood Services and Street Transportation departments to transform a vacant lot owned by the Library at 67th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road into a permanent home for the Bookmobile. Funded by Community Development Block Grant funds, this future home base will include a storage unit for the Bookmobile, lighting and security cameras, public restrooms, and more.
An official unveiling event for the public is scheduled for March 23, 2004, at Santa Maria Park, beginning at 11 a.m.
The Bookmobile will then be put into regular public service the week of March 25, 2024. The current draft of a regular Bookmobile schedule will be Tuesday through Saturday each week and include regular stops which will prioritize Phoenix communities, outreach events, community partners and neighborhoods with limited access to library resources and services.
Members of the community will be able to find Bookmobile stops close to them and also request Bookmobile outreach visits via Phoenix Public Library's website, phoenixpubliclibrary.org.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Library Department.