Mayor Evans unveils RPL-GO, Rochester’s new mobile library

Mayor Malik D. Evans was joined today by N.Y. State Senator Jeremy Cooney and library personnel and partners for a ribbon cutting ceremony launching RPL-GO! — the Rochester Public Library’s new, mobile library. The custom converted and wrapped sprinter van will provide on-site, pop-up library services such as computer classes and story times to locations that can’t easily provide customers with transportation to a library.

“RPL GO! will ensure that all Rochester residents—from our seniors to our toddlers—have access to the critical resources and services that our libraries offer,” said Mayor Evans. “Mobile libraries promote literacy, inclusivity, and community. RPL-GO! is a true example of collaboration; I want to thank Senator Jeremy Cooney, RIT, and the community for helping the City inspire hope and, literally, deliver opportunities.” 

“The RPL Go! Mobile Library is about bringing the library directly to the people. From older adults to our youngest learners, the mobile library is about accessibility and ensuring all members of our community have access to the incredible services the Rochester Public Library has to offer,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “I was proud to secure funding for this project and work alongside Mayor Evans to get this van on the streets and out serving our community.”

RPL-GO! will operate out of the Lyell Branch Library to transport free library resources and services to senior living facilities, childcare centers, community organizations, the Monroe County Jail’s school system, the Rochester Correctional Facility Work Release Program, as well as to community events such as festivals, public markets, and other locations. 

Students from the Rochester Institute of Technology’s College of Art & Design collaborated with the City and RPL staff to design retrofits of the van for mobile service. RPL-GO! is equipped with modular book carts, display shelving, books, printers, digital media equipment, Wi-Fi capabilities, storage, and other amenities to help raise awareness of the numerous offerings of libraries.

The RPL GO! mobile library was the idea of a community member who pitched the idea of a bookmobile at the Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute program, which empowers parent leaders to conceptualize and execute a community impact project. “It was my passion for reading and commitment to ensuring universal access to literature that led me to the idea to revive the Rochester Library’s bookmobile,” said Kearstin Piper Brown. 

Senator Cooney secured a $100,000 grant through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) State and Municipal Program for the RPL GO! vehicle.