After a week on the road, new Arlington Heights Bookmobile already in for repairs

A week after going into service, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s new Bookmobile was taken off the road and is in for repairs to fix an unexpected technical issue, library officials said.

An internal wiring issue is disabling the emissions systems in the 33-foot Winnebago, said Sasha Vasilic, the library’s communications and marketing director.

Problems were discovered before the formal unveiling of the $602,759 library on wheels at a special event outside the library on Aug. 31. But repairs were made, and officials got the green light to put the new vehicle into service, Vasilic said.

The Bookmobile began its regular route — 27 stops at parks, schools, apartment complexes and senior communities throughout town — but technical problems reappeared after a week, he said.

Library staff transferred some 3,000 items from the new Bookmobile to the old one, which is back in service for the time being. The old 2008 Thomas/Matthews diesel machine has 70,000 miles on it, is rusting and has been in need of annual repairs. But officials say it’s still in good enough condition to continue services to the community with limited interruption.

Manufactured by Stevensville, Maryland-based TechOps Specialty Vehicles, the new rig is being serviced at a local dealership by two technicians. Due to the complexity of the repair, Vasilic said the dealership could not provide an estimated completion date.

The library won’t have to pay anything extra for repairs since costs will be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, Vasilic said.

More than $500,000 of the vehicle’s cost was paid with donations from the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation, Friends of the Library and three estates that bequeathed gifts. The library covered the rest.

cplacek@dailyherald.com