Bookmobile

In September 2012, the Rochester Public Library debuted its new Bookmobile. The new, larger bookmobile features green technology: a hybrid drive train and generator, solar panels, LED lights and recycled rubber floors.

The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile regularly carries more than 4,500 items, including adult and children's books, audiobooks, magazines and DVDs.

Currently the bookmobile has the highest circulation of any other bookmobile in Minnesota. It visits many different neighborhoods in the City of Rochester and Olmsted County, targeting areas in the community where there are geographic, transportation, economic and other barriers to using the main library. In addition to visiting neighborhoods and schools within the city limits, it also makes weekly stops in Byron, Oronoco and other locations in Olmsted county. The bookmobile is handicapped accessible and has a wheel chair lift.

Bookmobile Policy (PDF)

Approved by the Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees on January 19, 2022.

Rochester Public Library, with a commitment to equity, accessibility, inclusivity, and antiracism, operates a Bookmobile to welcome all to connect and learn throughout service areas in the City of Rochester and Olmsted County. Bookmobile stops reduce geographic and economic barriers to library use and are free and open to the public.

Bookmobile stop locations are selected, and may be changed at any time, based on a variety of factors including:  distance from the downtown library and other stops; population density; ease of customer, vehicle, and Bookmobile access; usage; and circulation.

Special events are generally not attended by the Bookmobile. Since school media centers are essential, the Bookmobile will not act as a replacement for a school library. Input from the community on Bookmobile stops is taken through the Bookmobile Request Form available at rplmn.org/bookmobile or at any service desk.

Criteria for Bookmobile Stop Selection

The bookmobile establishes three (3) schedules throughout the year - Spring, Summer, Fall/Winter. Petitions for the addition of a new bookmobile stop must be received by the following dates in order to be considered for the respective schedule: November 15 - Winter/Spring, April 15 - Summer, July 15 - Fall.

The following criteria are used in evaluating bookmobile stops:

Adding a Stop

• When a new bookmobile stop coordinates with other library goals such as targeting early childhood literacy efforts, outreach to non-traditional users, new immigrant populations, etc.
• When there are new growth in housing and multiple requests for bookmobile services.
• When there is no other bookmobile stop nearby.
• Special emphasis is given to requests in the County and areas remote from the main library.

Dropping a Stop

• Poor circulation and efforts over time have not increased circulation.
• A Bookmobile stop must be dropped in favor of a place where there is a greater need.
• A Bookmobile stop is too close to other stops or the main library and there is no compelling reason why users cannot use those facilities.

Request a Stop

To request a Bookmobile stop in your area, please read Request a Stop (PDF) and complete a petition for a new stop:

• Petition for New School Stop (PDF)
• Petition for New Neighborhood Stop (PDF)