In the modern day of libraries, there are increases in the need to reach out to as much people as possible. Whether this is with programs, resources, books, etc., libraries are finding themselves more creative than ever before. I am sure most of us have heard of a book fair or book club, but today we are talking about Bookmobiles!
Bookmobiles have become more popular in the world of libraries and sharing stories in general. These bookmobiles are a way for the library to engage with the community in other ways than programs. Sometimes libraries are only located in the center of town or in major cities, so those community members that are outside of town or the city centers can have a way to still enjoy what the library has to offer: books! In Zealand, Denmark, a bookmobile stops 25 times around the municipality of Roskilde every week. “According to Statistics Denmark, the use of public libraries is strongly dependent on how far citizens live from their nearest library” (Lauersen 2025). Bookmobiles are more than just bringing books to people, it also gives community members a chance to chat with each other, speak to library staff, and learn about what their local libraries have to offer without having to take a trip to the library.
As libraries are greatly interested in bringing free and equal access to information, education, and cultural activities, bookmobiles are a great avenue of spreading information. In the context of the bookmobile of Roskilde, they have been offering mobile library services and a bookmobile to their municipality since 1947.
As technology has advanced, and become more available, especially to younger people, “the increasing use of social media is linked to less leisure reading and weaker attention spans” (2025). According to the international PIAAC study, one in five adults in Denmark have low literacy skills. Reading has lots of advantages, including having an increased level of literacy skills. These advantages include sharpening our abilities to concentrate, immerse ourselves into something, other than our screens, and has a beneficial effect on our mental health.
As public libraries, and even academic libraries, are trying to find more ways of bringing their communities together, bookmobiles should be on the radar. Even if the community members don’t participate in the bookmobiles as they come around town, the bookmobiles serve as a reminder that the community library is trying its best to involve and connect their community to each other.
Figure 1
References
Hansen, S. R., Hansen, T. I., & Pettersson, M. (2021). Children’s and Young People’s Reading 2021: English Summary.
Hansen, S. R., Hansen, T. I., & Pettersson, M. (2021). Bookmobile in Roskilde Municipality. [Photograph]. The Library Lab. The necessary nearness – an ode to bookmobiles – The Library Lab
Lauersen, C. (2025, February 5). The necessary nearness – an ode to bookmobiles. Retrieved from The Library Lab: https://christianlauersen.net/2025/02/05/the-necessary-nearness-and-ode-to-bookmobiles/
@amoreno0617 I’m so happy you dove into the concept of the bookmobile period. I still think it is such a useful service and allows libraries to pop up anywhere in their communities, campuses, etc.