Acquisition and Transformation of the Mobile Library
In June 2021, Estacada Library applied for a grant to purchase and furnish a mobile outreach library/bookmobile. In July we were notified that we had been granted the full amount requested. The vehicle, a 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Cargo Van, was purchased in September 2021. After a few months under construction, it was transformed into our mobile library.
Design Inspiration and Community Involvement
The library director and staff worked with Estacada-area artist Kerrie Hubbard to create the scenes on the van’s exterior. Animals, children’s picture book illustrations, and Estacada’s outdoor murals are the inspiration for the art, which also references the Estacada community. For instance, the passenger side panel shows a whimsical fantasy of animals typically found in our area enjoying music in the library’s outdoor amphitheater and community room area. Many of the animals depicted are the actual pets of staff & library users.
Engagement and Funding
On Saturday, May 14, 2022, the library hosted an unveiling party with special guests Kerrie Hubbard and animal advocate Lee Asher to debut the mobile library, share our ideas for services and hear ideas from the community.
- The mobile library has attended such community events as:
- Estacada Farmer’s Market
- Harvest Festival
- National Night Out and
- The school district’s Early Childhood Days in 2022 & ’23.
- The mobile library was selected to drive in the Estacada July 4 Parade as Grand Marshal in 2022, greeting a few thousand spectators along the route.
- We will continue to take the mobile library to appearances at local events and celebrations until our mobile librarian is on board to plan the full mobile library service.
This project was made possible with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon. Additional funding for van artwork and graphic design wrap was granted by Friends of the Estacada Public Library.
