The City of Lincoln is expanding access to books and resources on wheels. City officials announced Tuesday that two new bookmobiles are officially joining the Lincoln City Libraries fleet, bringing library services directly into neighborhoods across the community.
The pair of 2025 Mercedes Sprinter 4500 high-roof, extended vans replace the Lied Bookmobile, a converted commercial bus LCL has been using since 2012. “This investment is both an upgrade and an expansion of access,” says Mayor Gaylor Baird. “With two new bookmobiles, we strengthen our commitment to meet people where they are, at schools, at parks, in neighborhoods and at community events.”
She says they’ll make more stops, visit more places, and provide more consistent service across Lincoln and Lancaster County. Jodene Glaesemann, Libraries Assistant Director, says the vans do not require drivers to have commercial driver’s licenses and will allow service to be provided to more neighborhoods in a flexible, cost-effective way.
“The smaller vehicles are more versatile, enabling LCL to navigate to areas where a larger vehicle could not,” Glaesemann says. Library services and resources offered include technology access, rotating collections, storytime sessions and programming, extending the full library experience beyond LCL walls.
Features of each new van includes ADA-approved automatic wheelchair lift, a retractable awning, movable bench and shelving, and a sound system. Funded by LCL through Lincoln’s Capital Improvement Plan, each vehicle cost nearly $300,000.
“The uniqueness of libraries on wheels inspire curiosity, excitement and delight, inviting people to discover the library, whether for their first library card or a new way to explore,” Glaesemann says. You can click here for more details.
(Photos: City of Lincoln)