Bristol Public Library debuts outreach vehicle: books, other resources on wheels

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — The Bristol Public Library is taking its books on the road in the “BPL Roadshow”. The library on wheels will provide the community with books and other resources.

The BPL Roadshow is a Club Car LSV outreach vehicle that will attend community events throughout both cities of Bristol. The library’s goal is to promote literacy and offer resources.

“This is our outreach vehicle to meet people where they are in the community,” said Tonia Kestner, executive director of the Bristol Public Library. “And we want to be present at events, music events and anything that we’re celebrating and Bristol, Virginia, and Bristol, Tennessee, that we can legally drive to because it’ll go 25 miles an hour. But it is road legal.”

Kestner said the community should “expect the unexpected” as to what resources the outreach vehicle will provide.

“We will take books. That is part of it. But it’s definitely not just a bookmobile,” said Tonia Kestner, executive director of the Bristol Public Library. “It’s a resource mobile. The BPL Roadshow will always have something different to promote and to let people know about as far as the library goes.”

There is something for everyone aboard the outreach vehicle. Kestner said the library wants children and families to recognize the BPL Roadshow and all it offers.

“We can sign people up for library cards,” Kestner said. “We can help people with jobs, we can do makerspace crafts with this vehicle, because it’s the perfect size to attend these events and have a space, but not too big. And it’s also kind of like a mascot for us.”

Those wanting more information about the BPL Roadshow’s schedule or are interested in hosting it for an event can contact the library.

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