Walla Walla Public Library hits the road with new mobile outreach van
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, May 14th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Public Library is shifting its outreach efforts into high gear with the addition of a new mobile unit aimed at increasing accessibility throughout the city.
The city recently purchased a used 2022 Ford van for just over $21,000 to replace an aging sedan that had served as the library’s primary transport vehicle. Officials say the upgrade is less about the mileage and more about the mechanics of serving the public.
City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain noted that the van’s design significantly improves the ergonomics for library staff handling heavy loads of literature.
“It has a much wider trunk space area and the back part lifts up much easier for them to get books out,” Chamberlain said. “It’s at more of a picking-up-the-book height kind of thing.”
The timing of the purchase is strategic. As the library prepares for an upcoming renovation, the van will serve as a mobile hub, ensuring that resources remain available to residents even while the physical building undergoes changes.
The vehicle is expected to become a staple at local events and will allow the library to continue reaching patrons.
Photo courtesy the city of Walla Walla
