It was definitely on the Salinas Public Library's "Wish List" for several years, and often seemed unattainable for many of those years. Library staff wanted a new bookmobile that would replace the existing bookmobile purchased over a decade ago from another library system in the Midwest.  A new bookmobile that  didn't rattle at high speeds on the freeway, or lack heating during the winter months.  A new bookmobile free of exhaust smells, and one which never broke down at the last minute, or cause staff  to cancel monthly school visits and disappoint an entire classroom of kindergarten students. 

After diligent efforts by staff, the library is happy to announce it has secured $320,000 in grants to purchase a new vehicle. Just last week, City Council approved a $75,000 capital grant from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and on April 14th approved $260,000 in grant funds from the California State Library. "It will take us 12-18 months to build-out," says Ernesto Lizaola, Community Education Manager, "but when it arrives it will be shiny and new, and well worth the wait," 

The new bookmobile will support the library's KinderMobile program which makes monthly visits to nearly every Kindergarten classroom in Salinas, and allows students to check out books for their classroom and home. The new bookmobile will also make visits to large community events, and provide outreach services to increase access to books and other library resources that promote literacy.  "This is something positive that will make a big impact on the community," says Kristan Lundquist, Library & Community Services Director.  "It will be great for Salinas, and promises to be on the road for many years to come."

For more information, please call Ernesto Lizaola at (831) 758-7229.