New wheels for CT city mobile library has focus on reaching underserved communities
When The Hartford Public Library launched its new Library on Wheels, it made clear the goal was reaching Hartford residents in their communities.
But Bridget E. Quinn, the president and CEO of the Hartford Public Library said The Library on Wheels is much more too. It's a rolling hub of learning and community engagement and it's a learning vehicle that is expected to make weekly trips across the city with a special focus on underserved communities.
'We have had mobile service at Hartford library for a number of years, but we are so excited that today we get to show you (this),' Quinn said at the launch at Bushnell Park. 'It's the state-of-the-art mobile library that brings books, technology and services and our fabulous outreach staff to our Hartford community.'
Quinn said the van is more than a mobile library but 'a symbol of accessibility, inclusivity and opportunity.'
'Mobile and outreach services allow us to reach people where they are, creating stronger connections and more opportunities for learning,' Quinn said.
The Library on Wheels will visit local schools, community centers and public events and the Library on Wheels will be full of books and materials.
The Library on Wheels offers library card registration, programming (in collaboration with hosts), library books (English and Spanish), free books, DVDs, CDs (no card required), information on library events and services and other library materials.
'We believe that access to knowledge and opportunity should never be limited by geography,' Quinn said. 'We are building a library system that is as mobile, flexible and inclusive as the community we serve.'
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said The Hartford Public Library is among the best in the country.
'The Hartford Public Library calls itself a place like no other and it's true,' Arulampalam said.
'It's been for over 250 years, and it continues to innovate. Libraries are no longer repositories for books; they are social hubs for our community. People come here for all sorts of needs in their life,' Arulampalam said.
'But in addition to our library being a community living room, the library has taken their books out of the four walls of the library and into the community…We are so excited to have this Library on Wheels.'
Quinn thanked the support of the city of Hartford, Hartford Public Works, the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund, Action Glass (East Hartford) and Gengras Motor Cars.
The Hartford Public Library was founded as the Library Company in 1774. The library has seven full-service locations, two Boundless Library locations, and multiple outreach services, including the Library on Wheels and Story Stash and a 24-7 pickup locker.
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