On Monday, June 12th, the ADA Accessible Digital Bookmobile was in the city of Evanston!
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. For that reason, the Digital Bookmobile is equipped with a BraunAbility wheelchair lift to ensure people of all abilities can safely enter the Digital Bookmobile.
Evanston Public Library is at the heart of a diverse community and promotes the development of independent, self-confident, and literate citizens.
Heat in the mid-90’s didn’t deter patrons from stepping outside the library and into the air conditioned Digital Bookmobile located in Evanston Public Library’s back parking lot. Here, visitors learned about borrowing eBooks and audiobooks for free on their personal devices.
The day didn’t end there! At 5pm we went to our second stop at Over the Rainbow Association (OTR). OTR is an Illinois non-profit organization dedicated to providing independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities. Twice a month, staff from Evanston Public Library visit OTR with library materials that residents can check out.
That Monday, residents learned about a whole new way of borrowing materials… digitally. Fifth Ward Alderman Robin Rue Simmons partnered with Evanston Public Library to bring the Digital Bookmobile to the Hill Arboretum Apartments!
OTR resident Katelyn learned how to borrow digital materials from OverDrive employee Leslie inside the Digital Bookmobile!
OTR resident Anthony said, “This is so cool! We never had this type of stuff when I was a kid,” as he browsed the Star Wars audiobook collection.
Overall, a total of 70 people visited the Digital Bookmobile from both locations to explore Evanston Public Library’s digital collection, “My Media Mall,” of around 23,000 eBooks, 10,800 audiobooks, and 133 videos.
“It was great! For such a hot, humid day, and two locations,” said Supervisory Librarian Heather Norborg.
No matter your age or ability, borrowing eBooks & more from your library promotes independence, self-confidence, and literacy.
An article posted in the Evanston Round Table following the event can be found here.
