Policy: FPL on Wheels

A. Purpose

The goal of FPL on Wheels is to provide library collections, resources, and services to new or existing patrons in the city limits of Fayetteville who may be experiencing barriers to access due to service awareness, transportation, digital literacy, and/or economic hardship.

The purpose of the bookmobile is to:

1. Promote literacy and lifelong learning to people of all ages and abilities.
2. Introduce non-users to library collections, resources, and services.
3. Provide fun, interactive experiences that encourage bookmobile and library use.
4. Increase community-wide visibility of Fayetteville Public Library.   
    

B. Guidelines for Bookmobile Stops

FPL on Wheels will provide primary services to youth and adults in low to moderate income neighborhoods as well as community gathering places, including but not limited to city parks and local festivals. Stops will vary in length, depending upon service area and usage.

Once neighborhood stops are adequately served, additional stops will be added as capacity allows. Proposed stops will be considered according to the following criteria:

1. Must be located within the city limits of Fayetteville.
2. Service location is a safe commute for library staff.
3. Ample, solid, and level parking space for bookmobile.
4. Safe, accessible use space for community members.
5. Service location reflects library’s mission for bookmobile.    
   
   

C. Schedule

The bookmobile schedule will include after-school hours for children and evening or weekend hours for students, adults, and families. Stops may be a minimum of 30 minutes and up to two hours, depending upon location.

Cancelled Bookmobile Services
FPL on Wheels will not provide service during observed holidays when the library is closed, or during inclement weather, including rain, or if road conditions prove unsafe for library staff. In the event the bookmobile is unable to meet the scheduled stop, services will be canceled. FPL will notify the public regarding any bookmobile schedule changes or cancellations on the library’s website and social media.

Evaluating Bookmobile Stops
To ensure library resources are used efficiently, bookmobile stops will be evaluated based on circulation statistics and community participation. The library may cancel bookmobile stops if it is determined a greater need may be met at an alternate community location.
 

D. Bookmobile Policies and Procedures

In addition to Fayetteville Public Library policies, library cardholders who use FPL on Wheels may checkout items within these guidelines:

1. Library staff may determine the number of materials available to checkout at each location. This number may change with each visit, depending upon collection availability.
2. Patrons may checkout no more than 5 items.
3. Materials checkout for 30 days, with one renewal.
4. No late fees will be charged for overdue materials.
5. Damaged items or lost materials will be charged to patron accounts and must be paid for before resuming bookmobile services.
6. Holds may not be placed on items within the collection.
7. Materials may be returned to FPL on Wheels, directly to Fayetteville Public Library, or to the library’s remote return boxes at Banks of Fayetteville.
    

Collection Development
The FPL on Wheels collection will reflect the informational, recreational, and cultural reading needs of the youth, teens, adults, and aging seniors served by the bookmobile. The collection is a standalone collection and will prioritize popular titles and community recommendations.

In addition to following Fayetteville Public Library’s Collection Development policy, Community Engagement staff will partner with Youth and Teen Services and Adult and Reference Services to ensure best practices are being followed for current selections and material withdrawal. 

Driving
Only approved FPL staff members will be allowed to drive the bookmobile. Approved staff members must have a valid driver’s license with them while driving the vehicle.

Accidents involving the bookmobile must be reported to the police and Community Engagement Manager. The FPL staff member involved in the accident should collect the name, phone number, and insurance information of the person(s) involved. Failure to stop after an accident and/or report the accident may result in disciplinary action.

Volunteer Support
Volunteers are valued at Fayetteville Public Library and may support FPL on Wheels. Training will be provided to all volunteers ahead of their scheduled bookmobile stops, so they may best assist library staff as needed. Volunteers may ride on the bookmobile or meet staff at scheduled bookmobile stops.