Meet RPL GO!
Rochester Public Library’s new mobile library holds rolling carts of library materials, programming supplies, and portable technology so our staff can take the library experience on the road.
RPL GO! offers convenient library access to hard-to-reach areas in the City of Rochester. Its home base is the Lyell Branch Library, which serves as RPL’s first hybrid branch, combining traditional onsite and mobile library services.
RPL GO! supports the Rochester Public Library’s mission to engage the community in life-long learning through equal access to information, technology, and expert staff.
Mobile Library Programs & Services
- Sign up for a library card
- Browse and borrow library materials for all ages
- Get reading recommendations, reference support, and technology assistance from library staff
- Access Wi-Fi, laptops, tablets, and print/scan/fax technology
- Request a program: Our staff can deliver story times, literacy activities, technology training, and more
Mobile Library Service Requirements & Priorities
Organizations requesting mobile library service must:
- Be located within the City of Rochester
- Provide a parking area that is large enough to accommodate the vehicle, along with additional space for loading and unloading library materials and program supplies. Van dimensions: 19 feet long, 9 feet tall, and 9 feet wide.
The mobile library team prioritizes visits to organizations and special events serving populations who may not be able to easily access the library on their own, including:
- Childcare centers and schools
- Senior living communities
- Nonprofit/community organizations serving at-risk populations
We ask that at least one site contact be present during the visit to support our team.
Request the Mobile Library
Use the button below to request a visit from the mobile library. We offer both recurring stops and one-time visits to special community events. For scheduling purposes, we kindly ask that you submit mobile library requests at least four weeks in advance.
Questions? Please contact the Lyell Branch Library at 428-8218.
Thanks and Acknowledgments
We couldn’t have launched RPL GO! without the incredible support of our community:
- Kearstin Piper Brown: The idea of a community bookmobile began with her Parent Leader Training Institute program project.
- RIT’s College of Art and Design students: Envisioned the retrofits and van graphics in partnership with RPL staff.
- New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney: Secured funding for the van and retrofits through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York Municipal Program.
- The Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library: Provided financial support for RIT students to create product prototypes and funded a set of laptops for RPL GO!
- Leroy Cox: Mr. Cox worked as a bookmobile operator for the Rochester Public Library from 1960 until he retired in 1992. He passed away on August 20, 2024, at the age of 87.
