Innovative Project is First of Its Kind in California
A brand-new mobile library will serve local students in Ventura County. The School Mobile Library will travel to schools throughout the county, focusing particularly on those without credentialed librarians on staff.
The School Mobile Library will provide books in multiple formats and languages, STEAM instruction and programs, homework support aligned with school curricula, and access to technology and online resources. While bookmobiles serving the general public are common in California, this is the first to be dedicated specifically to students.
“Nearly 70,000 Ventura County students attend schools that don’t have a professional librarian on staff, and some of these schools lack an on-site library altogether,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “The new bookmobile will bring library services directly to students where they already are—at school.”
The School Mobile Library will be stocked with $50,000 worth of new books. Staff from the Ventura County Office of Education will lead book discussions and lessons on media literacy, financial literacy, and more. County Library staff will provide STEAM kits and other engaging activities during school visits. The bookmobile will also facilitate student sign-ups for library cards, helping to meet an upcoming state requirement that all students obtain a library card by the third grade.
This project is a collaborative effort between the Ventura County Library and the Ventura County Office of Education. It is funded by a generous $50,000 donation from the Ventura County Library Foundation, Premier America Credit Union, CBC Federal Credit Union, County Schools Federal Credit Union, and Ventura County Credit Union, in addition to a $250,000 Stronger Together: Improving Library Access grant from the California State Library.
The School Mobile Library will start its school visits during the 2024-25 school year.
