Bookmobile Services of the

Rochester Public Library

In 1965 A Federal Library Services and Construction Act grant of $35,400 was received for the purchase of a bookmobile and collection of books to fill it

In 1971 an Extension Librarian position was established to oversee all county service, including Bookmobile

services

In 1978, a new larger bookmobile was purchased to replace the original one

In 1997, a new bookmobile was purchased

This bookmobile was the first to become fully automated

Bookmobile Services• The bookmobile targets areas in the

community where there are geographic, transportation, economic and other barriers to using the main library.

• The bookmobile visits over 77 different neighborhoods in the City of Rochester and Olmsted County.

• The bookmobile supports early childhood literacy by providing services to child care providers.

The busiest bookmobile in Minnesota

2011 Library Children Adult TOTAL % of circArrowhead Library System 8,878 44,589 53,467 *29%East Central Regional Library 11,587 17,423 29,010 3%Kitchigami Regional Library 14,644 31,889 46,533 5%North Mankato Taylor Library 35,588 6,214 41,802 14%Plum Creek Library System 6,205 12,691 18,896 *60%Rochester Public Library 91,508 51,960 143,468 9%St. Paul Public Library 77,231 39,148 116,379 4%Viking Library System 42,886 54,698 97,584 *40%

User Survey

• Most users visit the bookmobile frequently

• 45% of bookmobile users surveyed ONLY use the

bookmobile

• 72% of the users surveyed who use both the main

library AND the bookmobile, use the bookmobile more often.

The new bookmobile will be utilizing available green technology

• Hybrid drive train• Hybrid generator• Solar panels• LED lights • Recycled rubber floors

New Bookmobile in process

Moving materials from the old bookmobile to the new one.

Ready to serve YOU!