Pendleton Public Library is raising funds for a second bookmobile

PENDLETON – The Pendleton Public Library (PPL) is enjoying the success of its mobile library and is anticipating expanding to include a second vehicle. A handicap-accessible smaller vehicle will allow for greater flexibility.

The first mobile library is a pickup and trailer fit with shelves, storage, and other equipment. It’s on the road a lot.

“The current mobile library is able to reach underserved parts of our community such as Mission, which has no library and local parks that are not within walking distance of the library,” PPL Director Jennifer Johnson said. “It also visits five preschools a month.”

There were no mobile libraries available when PPL was given a grant that had to be spent within a year to purchase a mobile library, so staff improvised. Johnson said the problem is what they were left with is not handicap accessible. The second vehicle will be wheelchair accessible and its smaller size will allow it to travel in spaces where the current mobile library will not fit.

The new mobile library is estimated to cost $250,000 to $300,000. Grants from the Wildhorse Foundation, the Carnegie Foundation, and Pendleton Foundation Trust have given the library $45,000 towards the purchase.

Pendleton Friends of the Library is working to raise funds for the new vehicle through the Valley Giving Guide. It allows for matching and bonus funds for enrolled nonprofits during this month. People can donate at https://www.valleygivingguide.org/organizations/pendleton-friends-of-the-library.

Photo of the mobile library in service now via the Pendleton Public Library

---

• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 

---

Elkhorn Media Group