At its May 22 library board meeting, the White Pigeon Township Library Board voted to launch a fundraising campaign for the purchase of a bookmobile. This outreach vehicle will enable the library to offer materials, resources, and services to patrons and residents who may not have access to the library due to mobility, transportation, or socio-economic limitations.
The library’s goal is to invest in the future of the community by removing barriers and providing equity of access for all citizens.
“A bookmobile will allow our library to serve residents in our entire service area of White Pigeon, Mottville, and Florence Townships, whether or not they can make it to the library building,” said Perri Saunders, Director at the White Pigeon Township Library. “We continuously strive to offer equitable and inclusive interactions, both inside and outside the walls of the library, and this is a wonderful opportunity to expand on that practice.”
Bookmobile services will include regular stops in the library’s service area, offering materials to borrow, Wi-Fi, print and scan services, and other resources. It will also be utilized for visits to schools, daycares, residential care homes, and community events.
The library plans to purchase a Sprinter style vehicle for approximately $255,000. The bookmobile will hold 800-1,000 items to circulate, and include adjustable shelving and removable carts for greater collection versatility. It will also be equipped with an ADA approved wheelchair lift to be easily accessible to all patrons.
The library, a 501(c)(3) organization, will be seeking funds entirely through local and regional grants as well as individual and corporate donations. There will be several fundraising events, along with ongoing acceptance of funds toward the outreach vehicle purchase.
“Through many years of careful stewardship of public funds, the library is in the position to expand our outreach services,” Saunders said. “This growth will not affect the library tax rates or what our taxpayers are paying each year.”
Those wishing to promote literacy and library services in the area may make donations directly to the White Pigeon Township Library at the address below, or use the QR code at whitepigeonlibrary.org. One may also contribute to the library’s Outreach Fund at the Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) by going to sturgisfoundation.org (click donate and choose White Pigeon Township Outreach Fund from the list) or mailing to 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091. All collected donations will be held in the SACF Outreach Fund until the purchase is made.
For more information regarding the bookmobile project, please contact Perri Saunders at the White Pigeon Township Library, 102 N. Kalamazoo St, P.O. Box 399, White Pigeon, Michigan 49099. She may also be reached at 269-483-7409 or emailed at [email protected].
