Welcome to the home of The Big Purple Bus!
Albany Public Library's newest branch, the Bookmobile, made its debut with a Grand Opening ceremony at the Arbor Hill Community Center Inc, 47 North Lark Street on Tuesday, December 13 at 4 pm.
Purchased gently-used from the Mid York Library System in Utica, APL's new Bookmobile will travel throughout Albany's neighborhoods, making stops at senior housing, schools, after-school programs, Head Start locations, and special community events. "Not only will the bookmobile bring library service to underserved areas of the City of Albany, but it will also generate community enthusiasm and support for the outstanding programs and services that the Albany Public Library provides every day to people of this city", said Patrice Hollman, APL's Outreach Librarian in charge of this new service.
The Bookmobile's librarian Will Takach, who is also the bus driver and its mechanic, along with Patrice and the staff of APL's Collection Management Services Department, have created a dynamic collection that reflects the vast and rich diversity of our city.
With an emphasis toward popular books and best sellers, the Bookmobile's collection includes mysteries, romances, westerns, a religious section, language translations, large-type, books-on-tape, cookbooks, travel, graphic novels and self-help books. Thanks to the generous contribution of Charles Touhey, the APL has ordered a comprehensive African-American and adult and children's collection and has added Native American titles. You'll be able to check out your books on the Bookmobile through our wireless Internet connection for the circulation computers donated by Sprint PCS. The big purple bus is generating a lot of enthusiasm among library patrons with a generous contribution towards its operations received by Dorice and Norman Brickman.
If your community organization would like to schedule a visit from the Bookmobile please request an application from the APL Outreach Department at 427-4325.
For more information on the Bookmobile call 427-4325. Until then, look for the big purple bus at a location near you!