Editing Bookmobile (section)

{{short description|Vehicle with an onboard library}}
{{redirect|Mobile library|the library in Mobile, Alabama|Mobile Public Library}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
[[File:Bookmobile.jpg|right|thumb|The bookmobile of the [[Ottawa Public Library]]. This particular model is based on a [[Saf-T-Liner HDX]] chassis.]]
A '''bookmobile''', or '''mobile library''', is a vehicle designed for use as a library.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookmobile |title=bookmobile |website=Merriam-Webster |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423155510/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookmobile |archive-date=April 23, 2009}}</ref><ref name="cooler">{{cite web |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-earliest-libraries-on-wheels-looked-way-cooler-than-todays-bookmobiles-1418682/ |title=The Earliest Libraries-On-Wheels Looked Way Cooler Than Today's Bookmobiles |last=Eveleth |first=Rose |author-link=Rose Eveleth |date=October 11, 2013 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |access-date=October 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518213330/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-earliest-libraries-on-wheels-looked-way-cooler-than-todays-bookmobiles-1418682/ |archive-date=May 18, 2014}}</ref> They have been known by many names throughout history, including traveling library, library wagon, book wagon, book truck, library-on-wheels, and book auto service.<ref name="Bashaw 2010 33">{{cite journal |url=https://www.proquest.com/openview/410bdb80a01b5e4e419edffadbc754eb/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=52910 |last=Bashaw |first=Diane |title=On the Road Again: A Look at Bookmobiles, Then and Now |date=2010 |journal=Children & Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children |page=33 |volume=3 |issue=1 |access-date=April 23, 2022}}</ref> Bookmobiles expand the reach of traditional libraries by transporting books to potential readers, providing library services to people in otherwise underserved locations (such as remote areas) and/or circumstances (such as residents of [[retirement home]]s). Bookmobile services and materials (such as Internet access, [[large print]] books, and [[audiobook]]s), may be customized for the locations and populations served.<ref name="riot" />

Bookmobiles have been based on various means of conveyance, including bicycles, carts, motor vehicles, trains, watercraft, and wagons, as well as camels, donkeys, elephants, horses, and mules.<ref name="Bashaw 2010 33"/><ref name="riot" />