Mobile Services

Mobile Services provides access to Seattle Public Library items for people who cannot reach the Library because of age, disability, or illness.

• Seattle's Children
  Bookmobiles visit eligible fulltime, year-round childcare centers and other special daycare centers throughout the city.
• Seattle's Older Residents
  Bookmobiles bring library items to people living in retirement homes, nursing homes and other types of housing where there are people who cannot visit the Library because of age or physical disability.
• Seattle's Disabled Residents
  Bookmobiles visit nursing homes, and other types of housing for people with physical disabilities or other special needs.
• Seattle's Homebound Residents
  Mobile Services, through the Home Service program, will deliver library items directly to a person's home. Any Seattle resident who is homebound for six months or longer because of illness or physical disability may apply for service. Mobile Services, through the Books By Mail program, will also mail library items to people who qualify for the Home Service program.
• End of list

To request service, call Mobile Services at 206-684-4713 or e-mail mobile.services@spl.org.

Mobile Services' bookmobile runs may vary or be cancelled during holiday periods; please call for schedules (206-684-4713 V/TTY).

For services outside of Seattle city limits, see the Traveling Library Center offered through the King County Library System.

Serving Seattle for 60 years

Seattle Public Library bookmobile services started in May, 1931, but service lasted for only one year due to lack of funding. This vehicle was a small delivery truck, fitted with reversible shelves, which meant that books were available from either the inside or the outside, but not both sides at once. Library service to children was stressed. Sixteen schools were visited, as well as the Sacred Heart Orphanage and the Washington Children's Home.

Fourteen years later, in 1947, a new bookmobile was purchased and service began again.

In 2006, Mobile Services implemented a Kindergarten Readiness Program with an emphasis on supporting early literacy for children from birth to five years old.

Mobile Services is celebrating 60 years of continuous service. While the service emphasis has shifted from community stops and visits at hospitals and schools, to nursing and retirement homes, childcare centers, and homebound and disabled individuals, the commitment to serving those who cannot use a library facility has not changed.

For more on the history of Mobile Services, see HistoryLink.org.