Valley Bookmobile Calls for Community Backing

The Barrio Bookmobile strives to enhance reading accessibility across the Valley. Yet, its mission depends significantly on community support.

Richard Gonzales recalls the thrill of visiting his local recreation center during summers in the 70s. For him, the highlight was always the arrival of the bookmobile. The excitement of choosing a book from an array of new titles is a memory etched in his mind.

“That feeling stayed with me,” he said. Years later, Gonzales is channeling that same enthusiasm into the Barrio Bookmobile, a mobile library aimed at enriching metro Phoenix communities.

“It was a dream to travel to schools with a bus full of books, sharing that joy with kids,” Gonzales expressed. The Barrio Bookmobile, launched in 2017 under the Hadley Street Foundation for Education, initially started with volunteers distributing boxes of free books at community events.

“My favorite part is helping kids find that perfect book,” Gonzales added. In 2022, he secured a used bookmobile in New Mexico and began taking it to various events, including the Día de los Muertos festival.

Gonzales noted, “Many kids have never encountered a bookmobile. Their faces light up when they see the shelves filled with books.” The visual impact mirrors his childhood experiences.

The Barrio Bookmobile serves the community without fees, a principle Gonzales prioritizes. There are no charges for children receiving books, teachers, or event organizers requesting the bookmobile’s presence.

Books come from generous donations by friends, family, local authors, and community members. Gonzales acknowledges the prevalent belief that children prefer screens over physical books. Yet, his experience shows a different reality when kids engage with the bookmobile.

Operating the bookmobile incurs significant costs. Gonzales reported expenses exceeding $20,000 in repairs over the past year, alongside fuel costs for travel. Furthermore, he aims to install air conditioning to extend the bookmobile’s reach during the hot summer months, a period where many children lack access to reading materials.

Gonzales passionately believes in the power of books. “We never know which title will resonate with a child and spark a love for reading,” he remarked. This mission reflects a Johnny Appleseed approach, planting seeds of literacy in hopes that every child left the bookmobile inspired to read.

To support the Barrio Bookmobile, interested parties can visit their website for donation options.