Fundraising for second vehicle to allow greater flexibility and accessibility
It’s time for Pendleton Mobile Library 2.0.
With the strong success of its Mobile Library program, the Pendleton Public Library is looking to expand its mobile library service with a second vehicle. The handicap-accessible mobile library would allow for increased flexibility and accessibility.
Pendleton Public Library first launched the Mobile Library service in 2021. The first mobile library was funded with a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act. The COVID-19 specific funding had to be spent within a year; however, at the time, the companies that create mobile libraries were unable to deliver the specific vehicles. The library pivoted and created a custom solution: a pickup and trailer fit with shelves, storage, and other equipment to function as a mobile library.
“The current mobile library is able to reach underserved parts of our community, such as Mission, which has no library, and local parks that are not within walking distance of the library. It also visits 5 preschools a month,” Library Director Jennifer Johnson said. “The compromise of not being able to purchase a standard mobile library vehicle during COVID is that it is not handicap accessible. We know that a considerable percentage of our population are impacted by disabilities that impact mobility, so upgrading feels like a necessity rather than an option.”
The existing mobile library will remain in service alongside a new, single-vehicle mobile library, similar to a small bus. The second vehicle will be wheelchair accessible with a wheelchair lift, and the smaller size will also allow the vehicle to travel in spaces the current mobile library will not fit, including neighborhoods, assisted living facilities, and some parks or service areas.
“For example, right now we can’t take the mobile library to Pioneer Park because the likelihood that you can park a truck and trailer at Pioneer Park without coning the area off in advance is pretty slim,” Johnson said. “Now we’ll be able to pull up without an issue.”
The existing mobile library truck and trailer will continue to rotate through the community, spending longer times at locations. It could spend two months at Community Park during Movies in the Park, for example, or weeks at Grecian Heights during Read Ride Run and Story Time in the Park.
The second vehicle, meanwhile, would drive to locations on a daily basis, returning to the library at the end of the day. This flexibility would allow for increased participation at community events as well as visits to assisted living facilities and schools where parking the trailer is difficult. Library staff also hope to use the new mobile library to increase partnerships with other community outreach vehicles, such as COPES, so the library can reach more people where they are to provide services like wifi and laptop use.
Johnson said the library hopes to have the new mobile library in service in fall 2026, and the new mobile library is estimated to cost $250,000-$300,000.
The library has raised $45,000 so far through grants from Pendleton Foundation Trust, Wildhorse Foundation, and the Carnegie Foundation.
The Pendleton Friends of the Library is working to raise funds for the new mobile library through the Valley Giving Guide. A regional endeavor, the Valley Giving Guide allows for matching and bonus funds for enrolled nonprofits during the month of December. Donate through the Valley Giving Guide at https://www.valleygivingguide.org/organizations/pendleton-friends-of-the-library
- Dec. 10, 2025