NEW HAVEN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY INVITES RESIDENTS TO VISIT THE READMOBILE, BEGINNING MAY 20TH

[NEW HAVEN, CT] - The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) is pleased to announce the launch of its Readmobile outreach service for Spring and Summer 2026. Service begins Wednesday, May 20, bringing books, materials, resources, and library cards directly into New Haven neighborhoods. NHFPL invites residents of all ages to visit the Readmobile this spring and summer and connect with services designed to support learning and community engagement. (The livestream of the kickoff press conference can be viewed here and a photo from the event is also attached.)

The Readmobile compliments NHFPL's five brick-and-mortar locations and 24/7 online services by making regular stops at community events and locations throughout the Elm City, including parks, schools, early learning centers, among other locations. It will also make regular weekly stops at New Haven senior centers and senior housing facilities, including:

• Atwater Senior Center (26 Atwater Street) | Tuesdays from 10 am - 12 pm
• Bella Vista Apartments (339 Eastern Street) | Tuesdays from 1 - 2:30 pm - starting June 2
• East Shore Senior Center (350 Woodward Avenue) | Wednesdays from 10 am - 12 pm

Additional stops will be added throughout the spring and summer, including service at Lighthouse Point Park. The Readmobile's full schedule will be posted on the NHFPL's online events calendar at nhfpl.org.

"When you see the Readmobile roll up to a local community event, there is immediate excitement by children and residents of all ages. The New Haven Free Public Library is committed to bringing books and library services to where our residents are at - in particular, to locations and neighborhoods that are not within walking distance of our five brick-and-mortar library locations," said Mayor Justin Elicker. "Last year, the Readmobile services were expanded to weekly stops at the East Shore Senior Center and Lighthouse Point Park, and we will look forward to expanding this reach to other senior centers and locations this spring and summer."

City Librarian Maria Bernhey said, "The Readmobile is our 'library on wheels,' designed to expand equitable access to library services by bringing books, materials, programs, and connections directly to residents. The Readmobile plays a key role in advancing literacy, lifelong learning, digital access, and community connection. Library staff are excited to be with residents and visit locations across the Elm City."

The vehicle's refreshed collection includes materials for all ages and has been recently updated with new releases and an expanded selection of Spanish-language titles to better reflect and serve New Haven's diverse community.

Originally introduced in 2001, the Readmobile has grown into a cornerstone of NHFPL's outreach efforts. The current vehicle-a 26-foot Moroney B180 bookmobile-was designed in accordance with Association of Bookmobile & Outreach Services (ABOS) guidelines and made its debut in 2014.

Over the years, the Readmobile has expanded service to include additional locations and sites. Its continued success reflects the dedication of NHFPL staff and community partners who have supported the program through fundraising, grant writing, and innovative outreach.

About the New Haven Free Public Library

The New Haven Free Public Library welcomes nearly 950,000 visitors annually through our front doors and digital portals, realizing its mission of fostering lifelong learning, inspiring curiosity, and building community through shared access to resources, experiences, and opportunities for all. The library system includes the Ives Main Library on the historic New Haven Green, 24/7 online services, the Readmobile and Book Pedaler book bike, bringing books to early childhood learning centers, and four neighborhood branch libraries: Fair Haven, Mitchell, Stetson, and Wilson. Now and tomorrow, the New Haven Free Public Library will transform lives and contribute to creating a strong, resilient, and informed community where everyone can thrive.

The New Haven Free Public Library is a 2019 winner of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The National Medal is the nation's highest honor given to museums and libraries for distinctive service to their communities. For more information, visit nhfpl.org.

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