GUS bookmobile logo

Bookmobile

Meet Gus the Book Bus!

We launched our bookmobile service in 2019 and quickly started calling it “Gus the Book Bus.”

Gus is a full mobile library branch where patrons can apply for library cards and check out and return materials including books, magazines, movies and more. 

What is a Bookmobile Stop?

Sometimes you don’t know what you want until you see it! A bookmobile stop is a collection of materials (approximately 3000 items) housed on the bookmobile vehicle. It is a miniature library providing a selection of items that people can look at and check out while on the bookmobile. A bookmobile stop includes a variety of materials to check out and staff to assist patrons. Typically, the bookmobile accommodates approximately 10-15 people browsing materials on the bus at the same time.

The bookmobile currently does not have wheel chair access and the stairs on and off may be a bit challenging. It is just like getting on an off a school bus. The materials the bookmobile can have include: large and regular-print books, DVDs, music CDs, puzzles, books on CD, learn to download free ebooks, music and audiobooks, and information services. The library will work with administrators or managers of a location to tailor the selection and services to these special audiences. Visitors to the bookmobile can also place holds on materials from the main library or other libraries in the CLEVNET system to be delivered during the next visit.

Bookmobile Stop Requirements:

  • Parking Availability and Ease of Access
    • The location agrees to provide sufficient parking and ample space to safely maneuver a 30 foot bus. Adequate parking includes approximately 10 ft. of clearance around the front and back of the bus for maneuvering in and out of the parking space. This space must be on level ground to ensure safe entrance and exit of people from the vehicle. The facility agrees to keep the sidewalk/driveway/parking lot clear during the winter months and free from debris. An appropriate parking space is required to maintain library service at the facility and must be agreed upon by both parties.
  • Cancelations, Inclement Weather, Extenuating Circumstances
    • It is the responsibility of the location to notify Mobile Services staff if the site will be unavailable for a Bookmobile Stop no later than two hours before the stop is scheduled to begin. In the event of inclement weather, vehicle maintenance, and other unforeseen problems, Madison Public Library reserves the right to cancel service and Mobile Services staff will notify the site of a canceled stop as soon as possible.
  • Attendance
    • We require a minimum of three attendees to be actively participating in checking out materials to continue a bookmobile stop and five attendees to be actively attending programming for programming to continue to be offered at a bookmobile stop.

How Do I Become a Bookmobile Stop?

Administrators/Directors/Managers of locations should call Mobile Services at 440-428-2189 to request the bookmobile stop. Depending on program capacity, service may not begin immediately, and you will be placed on our waiting list.

For Schools, Preschools, and Daycares

The Bookmobile visits schools, preschools and daycares, providing storytimes and opportunities for readers to select and borrow books they can keep until the Bookmobile returns. Teachers & caregivers can request special collections of books to complement any subjects they might be covering in their classroom.

  • Institute Accounts: MPL offers Institute Accounts which enable multiple staff at preschools and daycares to check out items and utilize the library’s digital resources for their students without using a personal account.
  • Teacher Accounts: MPL offers Teacher Accounts which enable educators to check out items from Madison Public Library and utilize the library’s digital resources for their students without using a personal account.

 

The Bookmobile can provide specialized staff to provide different types of programming on the bookmobile.

  • Storytime Express: A library staff member will lead an age appropriate storytime with songs and manipulatives at select community stops. This typically will happen monthly, except for during the summer when it can be scheduled more frequently.
  • Stories and STEM: A library staff member will lead an age appropriate storytime with coordinated STEM activity. This typically will happen monthly, except for during the summer when it can be scheduled more frequently.
  • Book Discussion:A library staff member will lead a developmentally appropriate book discussion for people gathered at the location. This typically happens once a month or once a quarter.
  • Beyond Books Activity: An informational library-centered activity provided for people visiting the bookmobile.  Topics include (but are not limited to) computers and technology, arts and crafts, games, and more! This would typically happen quarterly.

Community stops

The Bookmobile visits parks, sporting events, community events, providing opportunities for readers to select and borrow library materials. Patrons can also place holds on materials from the main library to be delivered during the stop. The Bookmobile can also provide specialized staff to provide different types of programming on the bookmobile.

  • Storytime Express: A library staff member will lead an age appropriate storytime with songs and manipulatives at select community stops. This typically will happen monthly, except for during the summer when it can be scheduled more frequently.
  • Stories and STEM: A library staff member will lead an age appropriate storytime with coordinated STEM activity. This typically will happen monthly, except for during the summer when it can be scheduled more frequently.
  • Book Discussion:A library staff member will lead a developmentally appropriate book discussion for people gathered at the location. This typically happens once a month or once a quarter.
  • Beyond Books Activity:An informational library-centered activity provided for people visiting the bookmobile.  Topics include (but are not limited to) computers and technology, arts and crafts, games, and more! This would typically happen quarterly.
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CLEVNET Upgrades!

On 2/10/25, starting at 9pm EST, you might experience intermittent interruptions with the catalog as CLEVNET conducts system upgrades. CLEVNET expects the upgrades to be completed overnight.

The Library will be closed today

We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Library will be closed today

We apologize for any inconvenience.