Tye Preston Memorial Library (TPML) has received a $75,000 grant for the purchase of a brand-new bookmobile that will allow it to provide more services to people in far-flung Canyon Lake, which is hilly, rocky and divided by an 8,230-surface-acre reservoir.
Funding for the ‘LAKEmobile’ was provided through a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.
“The acquisition of this bookmobile will be a game-changer for our library and the people we serve,” said Library Director Natalie Shults. “Libraries serve entire communities and the beautiful Hill Country can make it trickier for some folks to get to us. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the magic of books and knowledge directly to those who need it most.”
Community Outreach Librarian Mara Benitez said the bookmobile will allow TPML to bring books and resources directly to neighborhoods and communities around the lake that may have limited access to the library’s physical facilities.
The mobile library will travel to schools, community centers, senior living facilities and underserved neighborhoods.
“This initiative aligns with the library’s mission to serve the informational, recreational and educational needs of the community’s residents and seasonal visitors, to be a place where minds expand and imaginations soar, a place where books are only the beginning,” she said.
The fully equipped bookmobile will start making the rounds in Canyon Lake sometime later this year.
Benitez said volunteers will be an important part of the new outreach program.
“The library was originally run by volunteers when it first opened in 1971,” she said. “It’s great to see how this tradition has carried on over the years through all of our services, including this expansion of our outreach services. We couldn’t do all that without our volunteers.”
To learn more and see regular updates about the bookmobile visit tpml.org/LAKEmobile.
