Mobile Library Progress Accelerates with Oregon Community Grant

A library is known as a keeper of knowledge and learning in the form of books. However, its reach extends far beyond that, offering tools and engagement beyond the realms of said books. Sandy Public Library holds thousands of volumes, but additionally offers activities for teens, kids, and adults alike. There are classes teaching about STEM activities or providing games such as after-hours laser tag. However, for some, traveling to the Sandy or Hoodland Library is a challenge, one the Sandy Public Library found a viable solution to: a mobile library. 

The library has been raising the money to allow the mobile library to function. Recently, the library was awarded three grants to further this project: the RoundHouse Foundation Grant for $25,000, the Ford Family Foundation Grant for $10,000 and, the most recent and largest grant, the Jerome S. and Barbara Bischoff Library Sub Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, for $40,000. 

The library has applied for numerous grants in order to support the mobile library. At first they struggled, but over time, were awarded full amounts, the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) being a prime example. 

“I was worried that the others would be reduced but we received  two grants in full,” Library Director Sarah McIntyre said. “It was very exciting to feel that support behind us and to be recognized: it showed that other people understood how important this project was for the community.” 

The OCF application process was rigorous but ultimately shined light on the mobile library’s impact on the community. Numerous of the grant’s questions focused on building relationships and engaging and impacting the community, while also having that community represented in their work. The library felt confident of this due to the feedback they received, even having an apartment complex request to be stopped with their high percentage of elderly folks.  –this makes no sense so I can’t fix it -

“It’s great to hear those things from the community, that they’re really excited about having the vehicle as well,” McIntyre said. 

The OCF grant is assisting in outfitting the vehicle by adding shelves, desks, and carts. The vehicle arrived one month ago and SandyNet showed its support it by providing computers for the technology aspects the mobile library will provide. 

“To get it [the mobile library] fit with the shelving and the cabinets, and to make sure it’s all set up with the lighting and everything else, is critical. We need to make sure it can function,” McIntyre said. “That’s what the grant money [is for].” 

The purpose of the mobile library is to support communities by meeting people where they are, instead of requiring them to visit the library in person. To further this goal, part of the outfitting includes rolling carts: the OCF grant assisted in funding this. 

“There are people who have a hard time getting out to the mobile library even though access is much improved. We can roll those carts into the lobby and check out items in the lobby for them,” McInytre said.

Originally, the mobile library was set to be on the road March 1. Even with the OCF grant helping finalize the interior, additional setups are still required. One of the final steps is adding a location for the mobile library in their software. This is not yet finalized, so the date has been pushed back.

“Once we have that location built in, people will be able to place holds to be picked up on the mobile library, so that is an important facet that requires completion,” McIntyre said. 

A month prior to its start up, a schedule of the mobile library stops will be sent. Currently, the library will be stopping at schools once a month: elementary schools on Tuesday and Thursday, the high school on Wednesdays. Then senior centers, care facilities, and community stops with the intention of traveling as far as Boring and Government Camp to reach people who struggle visiting the library. A schedule should be released in March or April. Staff members will be driving the vehicle with the intention of consistent staff at respective stops. 

“Each of my staff members has a regular stop that they do,” McInytre said. “We’re going to try to have those same people go to the same stops, so they get to know the people there and can start to give recommendations and services based on their knowledge of the people they will serve.” 

While the OCF grant has made a significant dent in the needed funds, fundraising is still necessary. After receiving the grant, the library has raised over $100,000 for the mobile library, their goal being $160,000. To reach that goal, additional fundraising will be needed, and donations and support from the community are welcomed. 

“We are still fundraising for the vehicle,” McIntyre said. “We’re taking individual donations from people, we’ve done restaurant fundraisers, we had a Bingo Night fundraiser and we’re looking to do a casino night in 2026, after hours in the library. There will be another bingo night and I think we’ll probably also do some additional restaurant fundraisers.” 

In a few months, a bright colored vehicle will be spotted on the road, proudly wearing the name Sandy Library and Hoodland Library. It shows not only the past, but the future of the library, all possible from the diligence of the community and the fulfillment of the grants.