The Bethlehem Area Public Library, a cornerstone for community education and lifelong learning, has announced the retirement of its cherished bookmobile, a mobile library service that has been a key part of the library’s outreach efforts, serving the over 125,000 residents of the City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Fountain Hill, and Hanover Township. The bookmobile, known fondly for its role in providing books and resources directly to community members, especially children, has made its final stop.

For years, the bookmobile has been more than just a vehicle; it has been a beacon of literacy and education on wheels, driving around Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley six days a week. With 20,000 books on board, serving over 750 kids weekly, and facilitating over 7,000 book checkouts a year, its impact is immeasurable. Serving an astounding 125,000 community members, the bookmobile has ensured that every child has access to the joy of reading and learning.

However, all journeys have their end, and it’s with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to our current bookmobile. The retirement of this vital service highlights a pressing need within our community - the need for a new, modern bookmobile that can continue this legacy of spreading knowledge and joy.

To make this vision a reality, BAPL is launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $550,000. These funds will cover the cost of acquiring a new or gently used vehicle, outfitting the interior with modern shelving, technology, and accessibility features, and covering operational costs for the first year, among other necessities.

We are calling on the generous support of our community members, local businesses, and large corporate donors to help us turn this dream into a reality. Sponsors will have the unique opportunity to have their name and logo displayed prominently on the side of the new bookmobile, showcasing their commitment to literacy and education throughout Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley.

Sponsorship Packages include:

- Stairway to Literacy: $200,000

- Life is a Highway: $100,000+

- Books & Buses: $50,000+

- Little Red Bookmobile: $10,000+

- The Wheels on the Bookmobile: $5,000+

- Mustang Sally: $1,000+

Individual Giving:

-A Helping Hand: $5

-Books & Bookmobiles: $25

-Learning Week: $50

-Tank of Gas: $100

-Oil Change: $250

How You Can Help: Donate to our campaign, share our mission on social media, and help us spread the word. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to reintroducing the bookmobile service to our community.

The Bethlehem Area Public Library remains committed to its mission of educating, informing, and inspiring our community. Together, with your support, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of many, fostering a love for reading and learning that will last a lifetime.

Donate now at interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E349578&id=20

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