Media Contact:
Christa Bigue
San Mateo County Libraries
communications@smcl.org
SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County Libraries’ new Bookmobile officially hit the road this week, inviting residents across the Peninsula to come aboard, explore the collection and discover library resources and services.
The inaugural Bookmobile Road Show: Rolling Into Your , opens a new windowCommunity , opens a new window will visit all 13 community library locations, opens a new window over the next several weeks, along with community events and gathering places. Following its debut in the Belmont Centennial Parade, the new library on wheels will travel throughout San Mateo County, bringing a familiar and beloved library tradition into a new era of mobile service. The tour marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to expand community outreach, introduce new audiences to San Mateo County Libraries and make it easier for everyone to discover, learn, create and belong.
Beginning the first week of November, the Bookmobile will visit Foster City Library, East Palo Alto Library and Atherton Library before continuing its tour throughout San Mateo County. Additional stops will be announced as the schedule is finalized.
“The Bookmobile creates new opportunities to bring library services directly to the communities we serve,” said Atherton Vice Mayor Rick DeGolia, Chair of the San Mateo County Libraries Joint Powers Authority Governing Board. “By making books, learning experiences and technology more accessible, we can reach more families and help ensure every child has opportunities to read, learn, create and explore.”
More than a library on wheels, the Bookmobile extends the work happening across the library system beyond traditional library buildings. It will help San Mateo County Libraries reach more residents, including those in unincorporated communities and others who may face barriers to visiting a library, while creating new opportunities for connection and engagement.
Designed for accessibility, sustainability and flexible service, the 32-foot hybrid vehicle will offer books for children and adults, Spanish-language materials, movies, Wi-Fi hotspots, technology, programs and hands-on learning opportunities.
“Bookmobiles have a special place in the history of public libraries, bringing the joy of reading and discovery directly into neighborhoods,” said San Mateo County Libraries Director Anne-Marie Despain. “This new vehicle builds on that tradition while creating new ways for us to serve our communities and strengthen connections across San Mateo County.”
The Bookmobile project was approved by the San Mateo County Libraries Governing Board in February 2025. The investment was made possible in part by $65,000 from the Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries and $63,000 in collective contributions from the Friends of the Libraries in Belmont, Brisbane, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos and Woodside. Together, these community partners contributed $128,000 to expand access to library resources and learning opportunities throughout the county.
The Road Show is just the beginning. As the Bookmobile continues traveling throughout San Mateo County, it will provide another way to share the work happening across the library system, introduce new audiences to library services and create opportunities to connect with community partners on future outreach and programming.
Residents can follow the Bookmobile’s journey and find upcoming stops by visiting the Bookmobile Road Show schedule, opens a new window. Everyone is invited to stop by, come aboard and discover what San Mateo County Libraries has to offer.
About San Mateo County Libraries
San Mateo County Libraries is a Joint Powers Authority that operates libraries in the communities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, North Fair Oaks, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos and Woodside. San Mateo County Libraries build meaningful connections and inspire lifelong curiosity. Visit smcl.org, opens a new window for information about our community libraries, extensive digital and physical collections, innovative services, and numerous online resources and virtual programs and events.
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