Sandy Allman
In the past several years, the library’s offerings have expanded to include a variety of new options, such as memory kits, science kits, musical instruments, board games, and role-playing books and kits. Services such as curbside delivery, notary, and the Book Express also have been added or expanded in recent months.
You may be thinking to yourself, what is the Book Express? Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Book Express program.
What is the Book Express? The Book Express is a mobile outreach service, which operates out of a Ford E-450 diesel bus, distributing free books at various locations.
When and where does the Book Express operate? The Book Express runs primarily on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of each week, visiting locations such as preschools, parks, neighborhoods, and food pantries. The Book Express schedule can be found at mybcpl.org/book-express.
Where do the books come from? The books on the Book Express come from private donations, senior project book drives, and are purchased with grant funds through local organizations such as Landmark Farm Foundation, Carl Marshall Reeves and Mildred Almen Reeves Foundation, and Meridian Kiwanis.
How many books does the Book Express give away each year? The Book Express distributed over 5,000 books in 2020 and over 8,000 books in 2021.
Do you have to have a library card to use the Book Express? No, you do not have to have a library card to use the Book Express – all books are free. However, you can apply for a library card on the Book Express to use at the Main Library, Hope Branch, and Bookmobile!
Can I access Wi-Fi while visiting the Book Express? Absolutely! The Book Express is outfitted with a Cradlepoint Wi-Fi router, which broadcasts a signal within a 100-foot perimeter, and up to 50 devices can access the signal simultaneously.
Can we have the Book Express come out for a special event? Yes, the Book Express attends community events. You can contact the Outreach Department to request the Book Express at your event by calling 812-379-1278.
Can I participate in the Summer Reading Program with the Book Express? Yes, the Book Express has everything you need to participate in the Summer Reading Program (June 1-July 23), by signing up online or by utilizing activity sheets. You can also redeem your prizes on the Book Express.
Can I do a book drive or a senior project for the Book Express? Yes, we rely upon book drives every year for donations to keep the Book Express stocked with great books. For more information, check out our volunteer opportunities at https://mybcpl.org/volunteer.
What are your biggest needs? Our biggest needs are financial donations to purchase books, as well as good-condition popular used books that we can distribute. Frequently requested books include “Dog Man” series, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “Dork Diaries,” “Harry Potter,” “Captain Underpants,” “Goosebumps,” “I Survived,” “39 Clues,” “Magic Tree House,” “Junie B. Jones,” “Pete the Cat,” and books by Dr. Seuss. We especially need Level 1-4 books for early readers, picture books, board books, and Spanish language books.
This summer the Book Express will be visiting BCSC lunch sites at several area schools including Smith, Mount Healthy, Clifty Creek, and Taylorsville, and will also be collaborating with summer programs taking place at Donner Park, the Foundation for Youth, Candlelight, and more! For more information, email Sandy Allman at [email protected].
