[OPLINLIST] libraries with vans

[Alan Hall]

Our library system purchased a new Bookmobile that is on a Sprinter chassis.
There are 6 single facing carts that latch onto the walls inside, and
another 9 single facing carts that can be latched to floor strips for
transport, with a motorized lift in the rear to move the carts, or people
into the vehicle.

We are able to do traditional Bookmobile service at a dozen community stops,
and visit Nursing Homes/Senior Housing/Preschool Centers and leave a cart,
and pick-up the one we left.  I think we purchased 20 carts total.

In 2009, we ended Bookmobile service to schools, and received no comments or
reaction.  That now allows us to concentrate on the dozen community stops
and facilities listed.  We do the service on Thursdays and Fridays.

The vehicle was manufactured by Farber Specialty Vehicles in Columbus for
about $ 100,000.  It was funded by our 2010 1 mill levy for library services
in the county.

Alan Hall
Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County



-----Original Message-----
From: Linda Swartzel [mailto:swartzli at oplin.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 10:11 AM
To: oplinlist at oplin.org
Subject: [OPLINLIST] libraries with vans

We are exploring the possibility of a van or mini bookmobile for our
library.  We would like to be able to visit our local senior centers/nursing
facilities and preschools.  Ideally the vehicle would hold loaded book carts
that we could wheel into buildings for people to select from.

Do any other libraries have something like this?  Where did you purchase it?
What was the cost?  Was it new or used?

Also, and most importantly, how did you finance it?  Did you locate grant
money?  Did local businesses contribute?  Friends of the Library?

Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Linda Swartzel

--
Linda Swartzel
Mary L. Cook Public Library
381 Old Stage Road
Waynesville, OH 45068
513-897-4826