Outreach Resources for Services to Bookmobile Communities

The ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, in partnership with the groups listed below, has assembled the following key resources to assist library and information workers in the provision of quality bookmobile and outreach services. Bookmobiles and direct-delivery outreach services are, and continue to be an integral, vital part of libraries around the country.  For over 100 years bookmobiles have served rural, urban, suburban and tribal areas, bringing access to information and life-long learning resources to all classes and communities.  Bookmobiles are a central part of library service, and the ALA, through its Subcommittee on Bookmobiles, is firmly committed to recognizing their contribution to public life with the goal to highlight their value and extend their reach.

Stories from the Field

Visit the OLOS Outreach Columns blog for tips and tales from from the field. The goal of the Bookmobiles Column is to provide information, answers, successful program reviews, interviews with interesting Bookmobile staff like yourself, and any other exciting ideas or news that comes our way about Bookmobile Service.

Contacts and Groups

Resources

Bookmobile Saturday

Bookmobile Saturday at ALA's Annual Conferences provides attendees with opportunities to learn, network and be inspired! 

At Bookmobile Saturday 2013 in Chicago, learn about the issues, technologies and best practices that are shaping today’s bookmobiles from experts in the field; attend an author lunch, and climb aboard one of the newest vehicles during the Annual Parade of Bookmobiles. Bookmboile Saturday 2013 will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on June 29 during ALA’s Annual Conference in Chicago. 

8:30-10:00a – Programming from the Bookmobile – join the Midwest Bookmobile & Outreach Network for a discussion of the issues, technologies and best practices of mobile outreach. Free to all conference registrants. Location: MCP-S106a. Free to all conference registrants.

10:30-11:30a – OLOS & ABOS 101 – Discover opportunities for professional development through involvement with the ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) and the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS).  Location: MCP-S106a. Free to all conference registrants.

12:30-1:30p – Bookmobile Saturday Author Luncheon – Join OLOS and ABOS for lunch with a notable author! Location: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Clark 22 A-C.Ticketed event: Registration $25, visit www.alaannual.org and register for event code OLS1.

3:00-5:00pm – The 2013 Parade of Bookmobiles – Climb aboard bookmobiles from the Chicago area and beyond, meet bookmobile staff and enter for a random prize drawing! Location: Special Events Area, McCormick Place Hall A1. Free to all conference registrants.

Bookmobile Saturday is generously sponsored by Farber Specialty Vehicles, Inc., and OBS, Inc.