Goal is to bring resources to people who may not have means to travel to county facilities
A new mobile, Pop-Up Library “equipped with a diverse collection of materials and technology may be headed to a neighborhood near you!” Sarasota County staff has announced.
“This fully staffed vehicle delivers library services and programs throughout the community, making it easy for residents to take advantage of the amenity,” a news release explains.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, the Pop-Up Library will be on display during an open house at the Osprey Library and History Center, which is located at 337 N. Tamiami Trail, the release notes.
“Our goal with this library is to bring much-needed resources to adults and families that may not have the means to travel to their local library,” said Renée Di Pilato, director of the Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Department, in the release. “With the Pop-Up Library, we can provide lifelong learning opportunities to all residents, despite scheduling or transportation challenges,” she added.
Among its services, the mobile library provides county residents opportunities to renew or register for a library card, check out and drop off materials, receive reading recommendations from staff, receive assistance with library technology, access free Wi-Fi, and participate in special programs, the release points out.
“This could be a game changer by providing residents access to the thousands of resources,” Di Pilato said. “Our system of libraries has an extensive collection including books, movies, music, and more. We have audiobooks and digital books that can be accessed through our app, but first, you need a library card,” she pointed out in the release.
The Pop-Up Library will visit various sites in Sarasota County, which will be listed on a monthly calendar available at www.scgov.net/library.
Initial funding for the Pop-Up Library was provided by the Library Foundation for Sarasota County and the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, the release notes.