The Westfield Washington Public Library (WWPL) has ordered a new set of wheels and it is placing its patrons in the driver’s seat. A new outreach vehicle – or what was once known as a bookmobile – has been ordered and is expected to arrive at the library this month.
Sollars
“We’re hopeful this will allow us to increase our library services,” said WWPL Executive Director Sheryl Sollars. “An outreach vehicle is a powerful step in reaching even more patrons and promoting an environment of curiosity and a love of reading regardless of income or location.”
The library plans to use the outreach vehicle to deliver books to underserved patrons like residents at assisted and senior living facilities. The library currently serves the residents at Sanders Glen Assisted Living, Copper Trace Senior Living, Wellbrooke Senior Living, Maple Park Village, and Magnolia Springs Bridgewater every two weeks.
“We currently have a librarian who bags up the books, loads them in her car, and takes them to these facilities,” Sollars explained. “The outreach vehicle will allow her to take more titles to these locations.”
Rendering provided
In addition to checking out books, audiobooks, and DVDs, residents who visit the outreach vehicle can also get a library card and use the vehicle’s free Wi-Fi. The library hopes to eventually send the outreach vehicle to underserved neighborhoods, local parks, and community events. If residents would like to request a visit from the outreach vehicle they can call (317) 896-9391.
The Westfield Library Foundation secured IPEP and ProTeam Tactical Performance as sponsors for the outreach vehicle.