Bookmobile FAQ
What is changing?
New Bookmobiles:
Thanks to a generous gift from Janus Capital Group, the Denver Public Library received two new bookmobiles, called Reading Rockets, in Spring of 2009.
Expanded Service:
The Reading Rockets will allow us to provide weekly service to an additional 20 Denver Public Schools.
Why are you adding more school stops?
Research shows that kids who read for fun tend to read more and do better in school. United by a shared commitment to help children discover the joy of reading, the Janus Foundation and the Denver Public Library have teamed up to supplement school library collections with fun, popular materials that children can take home and share with their families.
How did we decide which elementary schools to visit?
Criteria for selection of the schools included their proximity to a branch library, CSAP test scores and the number of children receiving free or reduced lunches.
How was the schedule created?
Once the schools were chosen, DPL reviewed the location of each school and organized the routes to minimize fuel consumption and travel time.
What was wrong with the old bookmobile?
The big bookmobile has served us well for over a decade but was regularly out of service due to ongoing mechanical issues. Additionally, its size precluded service to some sites that might be better served with a smaller vehicle.
How are the new Reading Rockets different from the old bookmobile?
Size and Appearance:
Each Reading Rocket is 28’ long, making them about 10’ shorter than the old bookmobile. The smaller size provides greater flexibility in terms of parking, maneuvering and staffing the vehicle. Additionally, the Reading Rockets sport kid-friendly graphics, reflecting our increased emphasis on serving children.
Collection:
Materials on Reading Rocket #1 will be geared toward young children from preschool through 3rd grade.
Reading Rocket #2 is a dual-purpose vehicle, serving schools on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and community sites during the rest of the week with a collection that includes titles for all ages.
Are the bookmobiles handicap-accessible?
Yes, both bookmobiles are equipped with a wheelchair lift.
How will the bookmobiles be used in the summer?
DPL has a summer reading program and the bookmobiles will be fully utilized. They will also continue visiting senior centers in the metro Denver area.
How does a teacher request specific books or a group of books for his or her class?
Teachers can request a Teacher Set or a hold on a specific item by calling any DPL location or by submitting a request form.
Reading Rocket 1 Schedule
Reading Rocket 2 Schedule
Denver Public Library Online ©
Updated: April 27, 2009
