How to Use a Bookmobile Library

A bookmobile, commonly referred to as a “library on wheels,” is a special service provided by some library systems. These traveling storehouses of books visit various neighborhoods and other locations within their district and loan books to library patrons. By doing some research ahead of time, and taking care to follow your bookmobile library’s borrowing procedures, you’ll find that using a bookmobile is an easy way to access your library’s materials.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Finding a Bookmobile Library

1
Research your regional library system. To find a bookmobile library, look online at different library branches in your regional area, and search for bookmobile services on their website. You can also try calling a branch location and asking a librarian.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If your library district does not have its own bookmobile, find out if a neighboring one does and if you can obtain access. Some bookmobile libraries are closed to people living outside of their region, but others will allow citizens from neighboring cities or counties to take advantage of the bookmobile service for a small fee.
Once you determine whether there is a bookmobile library in your regional area, you should determine which stop locations will be most accessible. The typical bookmobile library makes a range of stops at different locations including neighborhood centers, nursing homes, and daycare centers.
3
Learn the bookmobile schedule. Before you can use the bookmobile, you’ll need to know where and when to find it. Most bookmobile libraries will put out a yearly, bi-yearly, or quarterly schedule of bookmobile stops, which can be obtained in person, either from library workers from a branch in the district or at the bookmobile itself, or from an online search.
- Look online, or call your local library branch for information on bookmobile stops.
Some bookmobile systems have downloadable apps that allow community members to track their routes. If available, this is a great tool for using the bookmobile library.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using the Bookmobile

Because bookmobiles are typically part of a larger library district, most bookmobiles require patrons to have a library card to their parent district. Others may require patrons to have a different card specific to bookmobile services. Call or visit your local library branch to ensure you have a working library card, and to see if you need to apply for a new or additional card before using the bookmobile.
Once you’ve tracked a local bookmobile library, visit the bookmobile at a time and stop location that fits your schedule. Explore what the bookmobile has to offer, and talk to the bookmobile workers if you have any questions or concerns.
3
Familiarize yourself with the bookmobile's selection. Bookmobile libraries can carry thousands of titles that may include not only print books, but audio books, DVDs, videos, and compact discs, as well. Use your bookmobile library like any branch library, and check out any books or materials that interest you.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Ask about reserving books. Many larger library systems allow you to reserve books online or in person, and if your library has a bookmobile, you can request to have the reserved materials sent to the bookmobile.
Like any library, a bookmobile library has certain rules and requirements for borrowing and returning materials. Be sure to ask a bookmobile worker for a copy of the bookmobile libraries general borrowing procedures to avoid fines or penalties when you check out materials.^{[3]XResearch source}
Bookmobile libraries often allow you to renew materials as long as the renewal happens before the check-out period expires. Ask about the renewal policy when you check out materials to determine whether the renewal process happens online or in person.^{[4]XResearch source}
Oftentimes, the check-out period for bookmobile materials depends on how frequently the bookmobile visits different stops, and check-out periods might vary depending on whether you are checking out materials that are new or in high demand. Determine the due-dates of the materials you check-out, and plan to return them early or on-time.
As with any library, keeping library materials past their due date will result in fines. Strict bookmobiles may restrict you from borrowing further materials until your current fines are paid, and others may restrict your access if you leave your fines unpaid for too long. The best way to continue using your bookmobile library is to pay your fines as soon as possible.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Seeking Personal Accommodations

1
Submit a request for the bookmobile to come to your neighborhood. If you are unable to access bookmobile stops in its current schedule, submit a formal request to add a stop that is more accessible for your needs. Most bookmobile websites will list an email address where you can submit questions, suggestions, and requests to add stops to the bookmobile schedule.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Many bookmobile libraries are willing to take requests, but you may need to wait until the next schedule is drafted before it will be put into effect.
- Some bookmobiles have specific requirements pertaining to road and traffic conditions that must be confirmed before stops can be added.
Many bookmobile libraries are willing to provide a special service to individual patrons who are physically unable to visit one of the district's branches due to disabilities, age, illness, or loss of mobility. Depending on accessibility circumstances and the bookmobile library's policies, you might be able to arrange a brief visit from the bookmobile once or twice a month.^{[6]XResearch source}
If you're having trouble finding or receiving the proper bookmobile accommodations, call or visit your regional library branch and ask a librarian to assist you. Part of the librarian's job is to make sure community members have access to library materials, so they should be more than happy to help you out.
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Tips

Many bookmobile libraries will not make their rounds during periods of severe weather. Find out whether or not you will be responsible for obeying the lending period during inclement weather or other occasions that may cause the bookmobile to miss a visit.
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