The Bozeman Public Library looked to expand its services by going mobile. In our modern world, going mobile usually means a new app or mobile website—but not this time. No, the library is actually going mobile by creating a vehicle to take books to local Bozeman residents. The focus of the new mobile library?—to continue improving the quality of life for all local Bozemanites.
Helena, Billings and Missoula all have some form of mobile library so its great to see Bozeman hop on board. As Bozeman has expanded westward and the Gallatin County has seen a sharp rise in its population, the library has continued to try to make books available to all local residents, even as that number has grown. Belgrade’s Library, who just won an award for top small public library, has also adapted with the growing pains of a rising population.
The bookmobile, i.e. the traveling library, would better help reach out to Bozeman residents who cannot necessarily make it to the library themselves. The expansion would be very good for places like retirement communities, which often have a high ratio of consistent readers who may not be able to make it to the library. Some communities only have shuttles that visit the library once a month, so the mobile library will keep books in the hands of the more diligent readers.
The cost of the bookmobile would be approximately $600,000 but the library plans on raising their money through fundraising.
Source: http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/bozeman-public-library-gets-ready-to-expand-services/31459286