Pleasanton, CA is taking its library on the road with a brand new 28-foot step van named Zippy, a mobile library that will bring books, resources, and community engagement directly into neighborhoods across the city. Officially launching on May 31, Zippy will make monthly rounds throughout Pleasanton, offering a wide range of materials and services for residents of all ages.
Zippy is a major addition to Pleasanton’s library system, made possible by a $175,000 grant from the California State Library. With only one traditional library serving the entire city, this mobile unit aims to bridge the access gap and make educational and recreational materials more widely available. The van is equipped with books, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) kits, sports equipment, WiFi, and onboard library staff ready to assist visitors.
Director of Library and Recreation Heidi Murphy emphasized Zippy's role in transforming how the library serves the community. “Zippy is a game-changer for how we deliver services and engage with the community,” Murphy said in a statement. “With this outreach vehicle, we are breaking down traditional barriers and reimagining access by moving beyond building walls and into the heart of every neighborhood.”
Beyond books, Zippy features HVAC climate control, a sound system, a 55-inch LCD monitor for programming or presentations, and a wheelchair lift to ensure full accessibility. Moveable shelves make the space adaptable to different event needs, making Zippy a flexible tool for various types of outreach from educational demonstrations to reading sessions. The van will officially debut at the Pleasanton Library on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the kickoff event for the Library and Recreation Summer Reading Program. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of Zippy, and opportunities for residents to register for the reading program. The city will announce a monthly schedule of stops in the coming weeks, with plans for Zippy to visit schools, parks, senior centers, and community events.
Zippy represents a forward-thinking approach to library access and community building, offering a modern solution that brings critical services directly to residents. Whether you're a student looking for a STEAM project, a parent searching for children's books, or a senior in need of tech support or WiFi, Zippy is designed to meet your needs where you are. Pleasanton’s investment in mobile library services sets an example for other cities seeking to expand access and foster a more inclusive and educated community. Keep an eye out for Zippy on the move, and take advantage of this innovative initiative rolling into a neighborhood near you.
Zippy is a major addition to Pleasanton’s library system, made possible by a $175,000 grant from the California State Library. With only one traditional library serving the entire city, this mobile unit aims to bridge the access gap and make educational and recreational materials more widely available. The van is equipped with books, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) kits, sports equipment, WiFi, and onboard library staff ready to assist visitors.
Director of Library and Recreation Heidi Murphy emphasized Zippy's role in transforming how the library serves the community. “Zippy is a game-changer for how we deliver services and engage with the community,” Murphy said in a statement. “With this outreach vehicle, we are breaking down traditional barriers and reimagining access by moving beyond building walls and into the heart of every neighborhood.”
Beyond books, Zippy features HVAC climate control, a sound system, a 55-inch LCD monitor for programming or presentations, and a wheelchair lift to ensure full accessibility. Moveable shelves make the space adaptable to different event needs, making Zippy a flexible tool for various types of outreach from educational demonstrations to reading sessions. The van will officially debut at the Pleasanton Library on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the kickoff event for the Library and Recreation Summer Reading Program. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of Zippy, and opportunities for residents to register for the reading program. The city will announce a monthly schedule of stops in the coming weeks, with plans for Zippy to visit schools, parks, senior centers, and community events.
Zippy represents a forward-thinking approach to library access and community building, offering a modern solution that brings critical services directly to residents. Whether you're a student looking for a STEAM project, a parent searching for children's books, or a senior in need of tech support or WiFi, Zippy is designed to meet your needs where you are. Pleasanton’s investment in mobile library services sets an example for other cities seeking to expand access and foster a more inclusive and educated community. Keep an eye out for Zippy on the move, and take advantage of this innovative initiative rolling into a neighborhood near you.
