Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation launching campaign for new bookmobile on June 14

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation is kicking off its “Fuel a Love of Reading” campaign with the goal of raising funds for a new library bookmobile. The library’s bookmobile plays a crucial role in promoting literacy and lifelong learning within the community, and over the last five years it has served over 100,000 residents. It regularly makes 27 stops across Arlington Heights, from Banta Park to Westgate School, with an additional 70 seasonal stops throughout the year, including farmers markets, neighborhood block parties and story time in the park events.

“Though the exterior of the current Bookmobile looks new, it’s actually rusting out,” said Lauree Harp, founder and chair of the foundation. “It is 16 years old and needs significant repairs each year, which take the bookmobile off the road and away from our community. The parts needed to keep the bookmobile running are also expensive and increasingly hard to find. Postponing the replacement of the bookmobile further could result in higher replacement costs and loss of access to community members. So the library has decided that it’s time to invest in a new vehicle.”

While the library had budgeted for a new bookmobile, the price has doubled over the last few years, increasing from $300,000 to $600,000. To help cover these costs and prevent an increase in local taxes, the foundation has committed to raising $150,000.

“The bookmobile provides a vital service by bringing books directly to communities, especially those who may face mobility or transportation challenges,” said Mike Driskell, executive director of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. “The bookmobile allows us to create a more inclusive library experience and ensures everyone can develop a love of reading and learning.”

The foundation aims to raise $150,000 and has planned several fundraising activities throughout the year to achieve this goal. The campaign will kick off on June 14 at the Arlington Heights Farmers Market, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights.

One key campaign component is selling a limited-edition holiday ornament from 8 a.m. to noon p.m. every other Saturday from June 14 through September at the market. The three-inch ornaments will be sold for $25 each. In addition to the farmers market, the ornaments will also be available for purchase at Harmony Fest and the reference desk at the main library.

Private donations have been solicited, and the foundation has raised $74,000 toward its goal. This includes a generous lead gift from Arlington Heights residents Renee and Tom Schwingbeck and substantial donations from Wendy Davis, The Dungan Family Foundation, Anisha Jogee & Sajid Patel, and Village Bank & Trust. Additionally, the foundation is accepting both large and small online donations to support the ongoing bookmobile campaign and other initiatives.

“Our mission is to provide the Arlington Heights Memorial Library with supplemental resources for lifelong learning that are accessible to all Arlington Heights residents,” Harp said. “We believe the library enhances our community and makes Arlington Heights a desirable place to live. By supporting this campaign, you are supporting our community and our residents, including the next generation of learners and readers, who we hope will choose to remain in and contribute to this amazing community.”

To learn more or donate to the bookmobile campaign, visit ahmlfoundation.org./bookmobile.