After nearly nine years of dedicated service, the New Braunfels Public Library's bookmobile, the RIOmobile, has reached the end of its operational life. Launched in 2016 through the generous support of the New Braunfels Public Library Foundation, the RIOmobile played a crucial role in expanding access to the Library’s collection when the City only offered a single library location. Since then, the City has added the Westside Library & Community Center while the Southeast Library Branch, which was approved by voters in the 2023 bond, is slated to open in the next few years.

With that in mind, and due to the RIOmobile's age and the increasing difficulty of obtaining replacement parts, the New Braunfels Public Library is moving forward with a new mobile outreach program called the Library Express. By refurbishing the Library’s RIOrover Ford Transit van, the Library will be able to use this smaller, more agile vehicle to implement a new outreach service model, which includes mobile programming, education about eLibrary services, and delivery services to senior centers and those unable to visit the Library. The Library Express will provide an innovative way to take library services directly to where people are by:

• Visiting local parks, community centers, and events to promote Library services and collections
• Offering interactive workshops and classes
• Conducting story times and literacy programs for children and families
• Providing digital literacy training and support
• Offering outreach to under-served populations

“After careful consideration and evaluation of the community’s needs, we have made the decision to retire the RIOmobile and transition to a more versatile vehicle. The RIOmobile served admirably, bringing library services to those with limited access and we are incredibly grateful to the New Braunfels Public Library Foundation for making that program a reality,” said New Braunfels Library Director Cole Johnson. “We look forward to unveiling the new and improved mobile outreach vehicle soon! The Library Express will allow us to shift our focus towards promoting digital collections and library services while engaging the community in new ways. We are confident that this new mobile outreach strategy will allow us to reach more people, provide more relevant services, and have an even greater impact on the community.”

Refurbishment plans for the existing outreach vehicle are already underway with the goal of launching the Library Express later this year. To learn more about Library services and programs, including addresses and hours of operation for the Main Branch Library and the Westside Branch Library & Community Center, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/library.