The Library Foundation for Sarasota County has granted $125,000 to Sarasota County’s public library system to fund a fully-equipped mobile pop-up library. The customized  vehicle will be the first of its kind in Sarasota County, bringing the library’s technology, books, and programs to communities with limited access to library resources.  The funding was generated by Library Foundation donors and a $50,000 capping grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation.

In addition to providing traditional books and materials, the pop-up library will serve as a mobile WiFi center, offer employment services and STEM-based maker spaces, and deliver library programming specific to children, families, and senior citizens.  It will be staffed with a full-time librarian and an outreach specialist, and operate 5-6 days per week, with a staggered schedule of nights and weekends.