BPL Mobile—Birmingham’s new bookmobile—rolls in on January 10

BPL Mobile
Students from Tuskegee University School of Architecture & Construction Science helped create the design for the new bookmobile. (Birmingham Public Library / Facebook)

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) has announced the reveal of their new bookmobile, BPL Mobile, on January 10 at Central Library. Read on to find out who helped make it possible and the cool amenities it offers.

What to expect

BPL Mobile
Photo of the 1950s bookmobile known as Birmingham Public Library’s Traveling Branch. (Birmingham Public Library)

Say so long to traditional bookmobiles… BPL Mobile is changing the game. Along with having dozens of books available, residents also have access to the many amenities the library offers, such as:

  • Computers for use
  • Access to free wifi
  • Notarizing, faxing + printing

In addition, BPL Mobile also implements programs on the road such as library story times and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

“This library on wheels will allow the BPL to continue putting people first by expanding our high-quality services and programs outside our physical walls to neighborhoods across Birmingham. We appreciate the BJCTA for donating the decommissioned paratransit bus and Mr. Ed Ticheli for partnering with BPL to make this project possible.” 

Janine Langston, Executive Director, Birmingham Public Library

The first time BJCTA has donated a paratransit vehicle to BPL

With the thanks of Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), this is the first time a paratransit vehicle has been donated to Birmingham Public Library and the first such donation of its kind in BPL history. The bus was then transformed into the bookmobile with help of Ed Ticheli and the Tuskegee University architect students.

DID YOU KNOW: Bookmobiles started over a century ago when librarian Mary Titcomb used her horse-drawn library wagon to serve rural areas in Washington County, Maryland.

Want to attend the big reveal of the BPL Mobile? Save the info below. 

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Emma Johnston
Emma Johnston
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