Bookmobile Mission: Connecting the Columbia Valley community by making the door to knowledge and adventure easier and equitable for all to access.
How far along are we?
As of December 18, 2024 we have $137,140 allocated for the project!
- $19,140 of that has been through donations from patrons and local businesses including Copper Point Golf, Station Pub and Rona.
- Local business support = your logo on the van!
- We’ve allocated $10,000 from the $18,000 the Friends of the Invermere Library raised this year (the other $8K will go to new books)
- $63,000 has been allocated from the IPL 2023 BC Library Enhancement Grant.
- $45,000 has been granted to the project from the Panorama Foundation.
PLEASE TAKE OUR BOOKMOBILE SURVEY HERE. Only 2 minutes to complete!
What is a bookmobile?
A van, truck or bus with bookshelves, WiFi-access, and other features that allow us to bring books and library services to our entire catchment area from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats.
What is our goal?
The acquisition, uplift (adding shelves, etc.) and operation of a bookmobile van that will bring books and library services to all community members in our catchment area
Why have a bookmobile service?
Based on membership numbers, we are not serving the outlying community as well as we could be. By bringing services to where the patrons are, we will increase library use, which is means of community enrichment.
Not everyone is able to get to our building easily. Seniors, those with mobility constraints, or lack of transportation access, deserve equitable access to library service.
What do we need? Vehicle acquisition and uplift
- Our goal is to purchase a new (or low-mileage used) cargo van with a high-roof, extended body and AWD, and get a custom uplift by Intercontinental Truck Body (ITB) in Lethbridge.
- Total cost for van and uplift is approx. $235,000
- Why buy new or near-new? Buying new ensures reliability, provides a warranty, and allows us to start with the features we need so the uplift is more cost effective. Buying a low-mileage, good condition van is a strong alternative we are exploring.
- Why high-roof, extended body? We want the height so folks can stand up and the extra length means more room for books! A cargo/sprinter van only requires a Class 5 driver’s licence, so library staff will be able to drive it, and provide service for cost effective staffing.
- Why gas instead of electric? The gas or diesel cargo vans have AWD (all wheel drive) to assist with safe and reliable winter driving. Currently, electric models do not have AWD.
- Why work with ITB? This company uplifts many types of vehicles, and they have built bookmobile vans for Calgary Public Library, as well as vehicles for Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (they have a semi-truck rig for their bookmobile!) and Lethbridge Library. They use lightweight material so payload capacity can be devoted to books/materials, and prioritize efficiency and usability of the space. A top of the line build does have a high up front cost, however, it ensures long lasting materials and a setup that effectively meets the needs of the community.
The inside of one of the Calgary Public Library Bookmobiles. A close example of what ours will look like.
What will the bookmobile service include?
Book borrowing & returns (including hold delivery), free WiFi access wherever the bookmobile is parked, simple tech device assistance, pop-up programming during summer season (storytimes, etc.), school visits, tax-filing pick up/drop-off during tax season.
Service stops will likely be bi-weekly to the different communities. Parked at a set location for set times, and home visits for those who need will be provided as well.
Will Radium Hot Springs Public Library be involved?
Radium Library is in support of this project and we are actively working on best ways to collaborate. As we are separate entities, the vehicle will have to be owned, registered and insured under one library (IPL), but there will be avenues for programming partnership, as well as continued material sharing. We both have the same catchment areas, serving Spillimacheen to Canal Flats, and a bookmobile service will benefit both Invermere and Radium Library patrons. 2024 Radium Hot Springs Public Library Letter of Support
How do we do it?
With your help! We are actively seeking letters of support, sponsors, and monetary or in-kind donations.
Want your name or your company’s name on the bookmobile? Let’s see what we can do!
Please contact Blair McFarlane at the library to discuss how you can support this project.
This endeavour would not be possible without support from the following:
