Lake County Library Bookmobile Arrives in Lakeport
Regular Countywide Mobile Services to Begin in Early 2024
Photo credit: Brandon Mach.
Lake County, CA (November 29, 2023) – The Lake County Library Bookmobile has arrived!
Brandon Mach, Library Assistant and Bookmobile driver, is excited by the possibilities the Bookmobile’s arrival brings: “The Library’s valuable offerings go well beyond books. I'm thrilled that we can now extend resources and services to even more Lake County residents!” shared Mach.
Purchased from Ohio-based Farber Specialty Vehicle, the bookmobile made its cross-country journey to California on a flatbed truck. Farber prevailed in a competitive County Consultant Selection process. They have been crafting custom health, dental, STEM labs, and bookmobiles for three decades, producing 150 to 180 custom specialty vehicles each year.
The Lake County Library Bookmobile’s purchase was supported, in part, with California State funds, administered by the California State Library. An American Rescue Plan Act allocation from the Lake County Board of Supervisors met the remaining need, bringing this long-envisioned project to fruition.
Bookmobile Services to Begin Soon!
Eagerly anticipated Bookmobile services will be available soon! County staff will first receive comprehensive training on its features, including the solar system, onboard wheelchair lift, and media capabilities. In December 2023 or January 2024, the Bookmobile will embark on its Welcome Tour.
In anticipation of the Bookmobile's arrival, Brandon Mach has been actively surveying Lake County’s communities to understand needs and preferences for bookmobile services. Beginning in early 2024, Bookmobile is expected to maintain a regular route (three days each week), reaching residents currently underserved by existing County Library branches in Clearlake, Lakeport, Middletown, and Upper Lake. Bookmobile services will also be available at special events.
Christopher Veach, County Librarian, looks forward to expanding the library's reach: “Libraries are for everyone. Knowing our bookmobile will soon reach every corner of Lake County is truly exciting!”
Learn more about the Lake County Library system at https://library.lakecountyca.gov.