Extra $35K in grants helping launch outreach van for Richardson library

The library in Richardson will soon have a mobile unit that will be focused on programming in the community.

Additional grant funding totaling $35,000 has been utilized by staff of the Richardson Public Library to help finish out an outreach van, which was presented to Richardson City Council during its Jan. 22 meeting. Initial funds for the project came from past savings contained in the city's capital replacement fund.

Two-minute impact

Once the van is operational, it will be used for programs, such as mobile storytimes, local learning labs and library card drives, according to a city news release. Funding was provided by both the Friends of the Library, which contributed $30,000, and the Richardson Rotary Club, which chipped in $5,000.

Per the news release, the outreach van satisfies one of the 30 goals in the library strategic plan that runs from 2024 to 2029. According to the council presentation, one library staff member will oversee the program, and all staff will work at least one event with the outreach van per year.

What’s next?

The van is currently being worked on by the city technicians who are upfitting the van with shelves, storage space and safety features. Programming with the outreach van is anticipated to begin in April, officials said.