New Haven Free Public Library's Readmobile Gets Rolling, Brings Services to Events, Schools, Parks, Seniors

NEW HAVEN, CT —The New Haven Free Public Library' Readmobile rolls in for spring and summer.

Begun Wednesday, the mobile library brings books, materials, resources, and library cards directly into New Haven neighborhoods.

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The Readmobile complements NHFPL’s five brick-and-mortar locations and 24/7 online services by making regular stops at community events and locations throughout New Haven. Those include parks, schools, and early learning centers, among other locations.

It will also make regular weekly stops at New Haven senior centers and senior housing facilities, including the following:

• Atwater Senior Center, 26 Atwater St., on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Bella Vista Apartments, 339 Eastern St., on Tuesdays from 1 - 2:30 pm — starting June 2
• East Shore Senior Center, 350 Woodward Ave., on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Additional stops will be added throughout the spring and summer, including service at Lighthouse Point Park. The Readmobile’s full schedule will be posted on the NHFPL’s online events calendar at nhfpl.org.

"When you see the Readmobile roll up to a local community event, there is immediate excitement by children and residents of all ages. The New Haven Free Public Library is committed to bringing books and library services to where our residents are at – in particular, to locations and neighborhoods that are not within walking distance of our five brick-and-mortar library locations," Mayor Justin Elicker said.

The vehicle’s refreshed collection includes materials for all ages and has been recently updated with new releases and an expanded selection of Spanish-language titles to better reflect and serve New Haven’s diverse community, the mayor said.

"The Readmobile is our ‘library on wheels,’ designed to expand equitable access to library services by bringing books, materials, programs, and connections directly to residents," City Librarian Maria Bernhey said. "The Readmobile plays a key role in advancing literacy, lifelong learning, digital access, and community connection. Library staff are excited to be with residents and visit locations across the Elm City."

Originally introduced in 2001, the Readmobile has grown into a cornerstone of NHFPL’s outreach efforts. The current vehicle—a 26-foot Moroney B180 bookmobile—was designed in accordance with Association of Bookmobile & Outreach Services (ABOS) guidelines and made its debut in 2014.

Over the years, the Readmobile has expanded service to include additional locations and sites. Its continued success reflects the dedication of NHFPL staff and community partners who have supported the program through fundraising, grant writing, and innovative outreach.

About the New Haven Free Public Library

The New Haven Free Public Library welcomes nearly 950,000 visitors annually through our front doors and digital portals, realizing its mission of fostering lifelong learning, inspiring curiosity, and building community through shared access to resources, experiences, and opportunities for all.

The New Haven Free Public Library is a 2019 winner of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for distinctive service to their communities. For more information, visit nhfpl.org.