I would love to explore the idea of meeting people where they are. I have applied this idea in the past by considering the mental, emotional, or developmental space patrons may be in and by gearing library materials and services to better serve them. However, I admit I don’t always think about a patron’s physical space. If a patron isn’t physically in the library, how can I help them? Perhaps by providing online options, or… – and this seems obvious now – GO TO THEM!
 Popup Library (10TV, 2025). |
 Library Kiosk (Zuvanich, 2023). |
Services like bookmobiles, pop-up libraries, little free libraries, and other similar options can provide different forms of support for patrons who are remote or unable to get to their main local library. Additionally, nonusers of the library probably don’t even realize what they’re missing! It would be great to design ways for anyone and everyone to interact with library services and resources no matter if they come to the library or not. This can be an important aspect of building social infrastructure and inclusion, which Eric Klinenberg addresses as promoting civic cohesion (Gaetani, 2018).
Rolling Library (SPL, 2022)
One example of bringing library resources to the public where they are is the Rolling Library Train in Sacramento (Sacramento Public Library, 2022). Doubling as public transport and a library, this train features QR codes offering downloadable materials and access to library resources while users commute to their various destinations. Through collaboration and innovation, this service removes barriers to literacy and lifelong learning as well as encourages the use of public transport over driving.
Library bench (Furbee, 2023).
Another innovative idea to connect with people where they are is the installation of solar-powered benches in the community, as was done by the Pioneer Library System in Oklahoma (Furbee, 2023). These high-tech benches offer free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and QR codes to access library materials. Originally installed to bridge the digital divide during COVID-19, they also support tourists and patrons while they’re out and about or just passing by.
Through strong partnerships with city officials, models for meeting people where they are in their day-to-day environments can be achieved. While working with the Friends group for my local library, a member of the public responded to our promotion efforts with, “Oh, I love the library! I didn’t know there was one in this town. Where is it?” “Right across the street!” we replied. So easily the little building was overlooked and forgotten. All the more reason to create access points for everyone, no matter where they are!
References
10TV Web Staff. (2025, February 15). Columbus Metropolitan Library introduces pop-up library truck. 10 WBNS.
Furbee, B. (2023, May 1). Sit and Surf. American Libraries Magazine.
Gaetani, M. (2018, November 11). Q&A with Eric Klinenberg. Stanford University.
Sacramento Public Library. (2022, August 31). Read and ride on the new Sacramento Rolling Library Train. Sacramento Regional Transit.
Zuvanich, A. (2023, November 27). Houston Public Library launches self-service book kiosk at Hobby Airport. Houston Public Media.
@jlindberg Great post! It’s so important to meet people where they are are. I had never heard of the Sacramento Rolling Library Train, that is so cool. I feel like that is a great way to reach busy commuters who need/want library materials. You can also add a “Bibliobike” to your list, my local library has a mini library on a bike that they ride to local farmers markets and community events. You can read about it here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=875425277959458&set=a.482593183909338
@ali0 I’ve never heard of the Bibliobike, I love that! Such a great way to get out into the community and get people curious.
@jlindberg this made me also think of El Biblioburro in Columbia – a school teacher in a rural area turned his own home into a library and used his donkeys to help bring books out to communities with no library access. I’ve watched this video so many times and am so inspired by it: https://youtu.be/wuTswmx9TQU?si=_vBqb5aJfRQ_vTz5
Hi @jlindberg,
I absolutely love this! At the public library I work at, we recently purchased a bookmobile and it has been a hit. It has been especially helpful when visiting the elderly care home. We also have a kiosk.
This is a great round-up of services that can go to people!
@jlindberg@jlindberg I was walking the dogs this morning in the village of Elk Rapids, which is super close to where I live, and I saw our brand-new book bike go by with the newly hired librarian writing on it. So cool. I appreciate this post that explores what’s possible when we leave the library building.
@jlindberg We should be creating more access points for people to use the library. This is how we create an equitable social infrastructure that all people feel they can use regardless of where they come from. Like you describe in your post, this can be creating more physical points. This also got me inspired to think about how we can market the library as a welcoming place where they can come to have their information and social needs met. Perhaps someone lives close to a library, but they are unsure whether or not they belong; t is up to us to make them feel like they do.