Want to take on some summer reading but can't get to the library? The Ypsilanti District Library's Bookmobile brings a fourth branch of YDL to various stops around Ypsilanti.
Since 2008, the Bookmobile has been making stops around the Ypsilanti area to bring a branch of the library to those who are not able to get to one of the branch buildings. The Bookmobile contains all the materials that one would see in a traditional library: books, including large print, magazines, CDs, movies and more. The Bookmobile has a fixed selection of books for all audiences.
“Many people assume that the Bookmobile is for kiddos, but it's for everyone to access. We have both youth and adult books on the Bookmobile. We also have a seed library on the Bookmobile, we have an international collection, and a children's collection on the Bookmobile. We have a community resource board on the Bookmobile. We have DVDs and emergency kits. We have large print books for seniors on the Bookmobile. You name it, we have it on there,” said Bookmobile Librarian, Monica Porter.
If there is any book or other material not on the Bookmobile, one can place a hold on it on their website, with a two-day notice and it will be placed on the Bookmobile’s hold shelf, Porter said. Holds can be made for any material, including YDL’s library of things. The Library of Things offers non-traditional materials for borrow, such as instruments, kitchenware, games, craft supplies and other materials.
Anyone is able to access the Bookmobile to browse and use computers, but they must have a library card to check out materials. Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in the city of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township or Superior Township qualifies for a YDL library card. Those who qualify can get a library card at any of the branches of Ypsilanti District Library, including on the Bookmobile, if they bring a driver’s license or state ID. Minors need their parents' ID and signature.
In addition to its regular stops, the Bookmobile goes to schools and events. The Bookmobile attends or tables at events like Ypsi Pride, Juneteenth celebrations and Eastern Michigan University's Bike Rodeo.
The Bookmobile partners with Ypsilanti Community Schools and Lincoln Consolidated Schools to provide a classroom library card for students to check out materials in their classrooms. The Bookmobile visits summer camps to promote YDL's summer reading challenge, and visits to schools and summer camps also include activities like story times, STEM education activities and the passing out of free books.
Individuals who use the Bookmobile can sign up to receive notifications when the Bookmobile is off the road on their website.
“I think the reason why the Bookmobile was started is because it's about community being able to access a library. And a lot of our community members aren't able to make it to brick and mortar locations, and so that's why the Bookmobile was created, so that it could go into the communities and people be able to have access to the library and resources,” Porter said.
YDL is currently working on raising money for a new Bookmobile. It is accepting donations through its donation portal until Sept. 30, Porter said. Getting a new Bookmobile is a years-long process that is still in its early stages. The new Bookmobile may include things like a chair lift to make the Bookmobile more accessible, more space, more computers and more materials available for check-out.
The Bookmobile is on Instagram @ypsibookmobile.
The schedule and route map for the Bookmobile can be found on YDL’s Website.
Bookmobile schedule and locations
Monday:
4-4:35 p.m. Ainsworth & Ferris
4:50-5:25 p.m. Forrest Knoll Apartments
5:35-6:10 p.m. Chapelle School
6:35-7:10 p.m. Burns Park
7:20-7:55 p.m. Colony Way
Tuesday:
4-4:35 p.m. Nancy Park
4:50-5:25 p.m. Village Grove Apartments
5:35-6:10 p.m. Tyler & Buick
6:3-7:10 p.m. Lakeshore Apartments
7:20-7:55 p.m. Lakeview Mobile Homes
Wednesday:
4-4:35 p.m. Devonshire & Russell
4:50-5:25 p.m. Bromley Park (Gotfredson & Avondale)
5:35-6:10 p.m. Rue Vendome
6:35-7:10 p.m. Ypsilanti International Elementary School
7:20-7:55 p.m. Maplewood & Oaklawn
Thursday:
4-4:35 p.m. Wendell Holmes Park
4:50-5:25 p.m. Huron Heights (off Clark)
5:35-6:10 p.m. Witmire & Courtland
6:35-7:10 p.m. Dexter & Eastlawn
7:20-7:55 p.m. Sherman & Wallace
