Gift from Woman’s Club of Westfield to Fund Electric Library Bookmobile

The Westfield Memorial Library is proud to announce a transformative $200,000 donation from the Woman’s Club of Westfield to support the purchase of a new electric bookmobile and logistics vehicle that will expand library services throughout the community.

This extraordinary gift will fund the acquisition and customization of a fully equipped mobile library vehicle designed to bring books directly to neighborhoods, schools, senior housing communities, homebound residents, and local events across the Town of Westfield.

Founded in 1895, the Woman’s Club of Westfield has a longstanding tradition of civic leadership and philanthropy. Their investment in the EV bookmobile represents one of the most significant single gifts in the library’s recent history.

“This remarkable generosity from the Woman’s Club of Westfield reflects a shared belief that access to knowledge should never depend on geography or circumstance,” said Library Director Allen McGinley. “It’s a useful and practical vehicle, but it’s also a symbol of inclusivity, accessibility, and community connection. Thanks to this gift, we will be able to bring library services to a greater number of Westfield residents.”

The new EV bookmobile will be designed to efficiently move books throughout the community while contributing zero tailpipe emissions. A 2026 Ford E-Transit cargo van will be customized with internal shelving, cabinets, and wall-locking book carts with a total capacity of 2,000 books. Technology features will allow the bookmobile to serve as a WiFi hotspot. Exterior features include a rear lift gate, and external awning.

In addition to picking up and delivering books to various locations, the bookmobile may also be used in resiliency efforts to provide wireless internet access and electronic device charging during isolated power outages.

Planning and vehicle procurement are expected to begin immediately, with the bookmobile anticipated to launch service sometime in 2027.

The Westfield Memorial Library Board of Trustees and staff extend their deepest gratitude to the Woman’s Club of Westfield for its commitment to literacy, education, and community service.

For more information about the bookmobile project or to learn how to support the Library’s outreach efforts, please visit the library’s website or email the library director at amcginley@wmlnj.org.

About Westfield Memorial Library

Westfield Memorial Library is a public library dedicated to providing free and equitable access to information, resources, and cultural experiences for residents of Westfield and the surrounding community. Through innovative programming and responsive services, the Library advances literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.