Welcome to the home of The Big Purple Bus!
The Albany Public Library’s “Big Purple Bus” is your community library on wheels. "Not only does the bookmobile bring library service to underserved areas of the City of Albany, it also generates community enthusiasm and support for the outstanding programs and services that Albany Public Library provides every day to people of this city", said Patrice Hollman, Head of Outreach Services.
The bookmobile regularly stocks over 2,500 fiction and non-fiction books, audio books, and large print books, for all ages. If you don’t see what you want on the shelf, ask for it! We offer full interlibrary loan service from all Upper Hudson libraries.
The Bookmobile's librarian, Will Takach (also the driver and mechanic), along with APL’s outreach library staff, Jedda Ray-Gayle and Patrice Hollman, Head of Outreach Services, have created a dynamic ‘rolling literacy trio’ that reflects the vast and rich diversity of the city of Albany. APL librarian Thea Reed, also rolls with the bus on a regular basis, visiting local schools and reading stories to some of our youngest visitors.
The bookmobile stops at 15 scheduled locations throughout the city year-round. Making stops at senior communities, schools, after-school programs, neighborhoods and community events.
Obtaining a library card is fast and free – you can register for a card and borrow books on your first visit. Designed to meet the needs of all age groups and interests, this "traveling library" carries a wide variety of popular fiction and nonfiction books in hardcover, paperback and large print formats, and audio-book CD’s.
Does the bookmobile stop at a location near you? To find the closest scheduled stop check our calendar.
Borrowing Procedures:
- Register for your Library card on the Bookmobile and bring this card when borrowing.
- Materials will be checked out for a 28 day loan period. However, due to weather conditions, holidays and maintenance difficulties beyond our control, your loan dates will be extended throughout this time until the Bookmobile’s next scheduled stop. Date slips should be kept in the book jacket.
- Overdue notices are sent for late material. Let us know immediately if there is a problem.
- Please remember that other library customers may be waiting to borrow items you have out so return them to the Bookmobile as soon as possible.
- Materials borrowed from the Bookmobile may be brought to any member library in the Upper Hudson Library System or returned to the Bookmobile.
If your community and/or organization would like to request a scheduled visit from the Bookmobile, please fill out an application or call APL Outreach Department at 427-4325 for more information. Until then, look for the Big Purple Bus at a location near you!