NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — The New Bedford Free Public Library now has its own set of wheels thanks to a new mobile library.

This project, a Ford 500 Series van filled with books and marked with the city’s logo, was made possible through a $50,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant. Massachusetts’ State Aid to Public Libraries program also supplied $80,000 to the project.

“This is another step in our effort to modernize our library system,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “The Mobile Library ensures equitable access and brings library services to every New Bedford resident.”

Library Director Olivia Melo said New Bedford’s mobile library was purposefully designed to be smaller than a traditional bus-sized bookmobile in order to make travel more efficient.

“It’s much easier to navigate city streets, and any member of the staff can drive it, whereas the larger vehicle required a driver with a Commercial Driver’s License,” she said. 

The Mobile Library is already making book deliveries to residents in the city’s North End, as well as to nursing homes and senior living centers. The vehicle will also be present at festivals, parades and community events.