Story & Photos By ACACIA RODRIGUEZ

The Queens Public Library deploys a fleet of bookmobiles throughout the borough, providing library services to audiences unable to reach a physical library. Workers from Queens Library Guild Local 1321 connect with hospitals, shelters, veterans organizations, schools, community partners, and other underserved communities to bring books far and wide. Whether a local library branch is under renovation or there is a special event where books are a must, the library’s mobile fleet is available with rolling recommended reads, multimedia, and more.

Each bookmobile contains a complete collection of materials, mimicking a library branch. Based on the audience the mobile is serving, the collection is further curated to include large print books, easy readers, books in Braille, and materials that support equitable accessibility. With 2,500 titles on board, including fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, romance, sci-fi, and children’s books, there’s something for everyone. Outreach specialists lead STEM activities, storytime, movies, and arts and crafts, depending on the audience. At each mobile library, customers are able to sign up for a library card, check out, return, or reserve materials, access digital resources, and speak to a librarian for reference services.

Bookmobile STATS

Vehicle Type – 2025 Farber M2 Specialty Vehicle
Size – 32 feet long
Under the Hood – Fuel-efficient regenerative emissions system
Green Tech – Solar power panels mounted on the roof

Key Features

• Built-in shelves, seating area & skylight
• Mini book checkout station
• Three gaming systems with multiple controllers
• Exterior & interior monitors
• WiFi & charging stations
• PA System
• ADA-compliant with an wheelchair lift, Braille books & accessible keyboard
• Retractable exterior awning for sun protection

Local 1321 Library Chat

Brianna Brunson | Youth Justice Coordinator & Outreach Specialist

“Our outreach is a holistic service that’s part of Queens Public Library speaking your language, coming to where you are, meeting you where you’re at, and making sure we have services for those who aren’t easily able to access them.”

Book recommendation: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Jay Delacruz | Community Library Manager of Seaside Branch

“I truly appreciate how much the community values our mobile library services. It’s rewarding to know that our presence makes a difference and that people genuinely welcome the resources we bring. We’re also doing our part to fulfill the Queens Public Library mission and provide quality services, resources, and lifelong learning opportunities.”

Book recommendation: Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka

Jordan Simon | Mobile Library Driver and Customer Service Representative

“One of my favorite things about working aboard the mobile library is being here for various communities and accommodating them in different ways, as a lot of people don’t have access to the resources we provide. My second favorite thing is the video games. We have extra controllers for all the gaming systems, so if anyone needs help setting one up, I’m here to assist.”

Media recommendation: Ask about what video games are available to play!

Steps to Invite the Queens Public Library Bookmobile to Your Location

1. Be located within the borough of Queens.
2. Book two months in advance, and collect information about the date and location where the bookmobile is needed.
3. Visit bit.ly/QLbookmobile and fill out the form with details of your event. An outreach specialist will contact you.

Click HERE to more about the services offered by the Queens Public Library.