The Indianapolis Public Library Enhances Its Bookmobile Services with New Vehicles

INDIANAPOLIS, (May 27, 2026) — For nearly 75 years, The Indianapolis Public Library’s bookmobile service has connected residents across Marion County to books, resources, and opportunities for lifelong learning. Now, The Indianapolis Public Library is launching a new generation of bookmobiles designed with accessibility, inclusion, and community connection at the forefront.

The new fleet includes two 2025 ELF (Extremely Low Floor) bookmobiles, representing a major step forward in ADA accessibility and equitable access to Library services. Named Frog and Toad after the beloved children’s books, the new vehicles were intentionally designed to create a more welcoming and user-friendly experience for patrons of all ages and abilities.

With a low-floor design, curb-height entrance, ADA-compliant ramp, and completely flat interior floor, the new bookmobiles make it easier for seniors, individuals using wheelchairs or walkers, and patrons with mobility challenges to comfortably access Library services. Wider entrances, flexible shelving, and large windows also create a brighter, more open environment that allows more patrons to browse and gather inside at one time.

Both bookmobiles are currently being outfitted with custom exterior wraps and were introduced to the community during the Indy 500 Festival Parade on Saturday, May 23.

“These new bookmobiles allow us to bring the Library directly to people, wherever they are,” said Gregory A. Hill, Sr., CEO of The Indianapolis Public Library. “For many residents, barriers like transportation, mobility, distance, or time can make it difficult to visit a branch. These vehicles help remove those barriers and ensure every person has access to learning, resources, and connection.”

The bookmobiles will travel to neighborhoods, schools, senior living communities, apartment complexes, and community centers throughout Indianapolis, delivering a full-service library experience on wheels. In addition to books, patrons will have access to digital resources, materials requests, seed library materials, tax forms, reader advisory services, and assistance from knowledgeable Library staff.

The new vehicles will also support IndyPL’s outreach to historically underserved communities, including children and seniors without easy access to transportation, immigrant families, and residents living farther from branch locations.

“At the core of this initiative is accessibility and equity,” Hill said. “Access to information and opportunity should not depend on where you live or whether you can physically get to a Library branch. These bookmobiles help us meet people where they are and create welcoming spaces for everyone.”

Built on a RAM ProMaster chassis and powered by a 3.6L V6 engine, the vehicles are designed for reliable service throughout the city while also being smaller and more maneuverable for access to neighborhoods.

More than just vehicles, the bookmobiles serve as mobile community hubs and welcoming “third spaces” where residents can gather, learn, connect, and engage with Library services directly in their own neighborhoods.

“This is about more than delivering books,” Hill added. “It’s about creating welcoming spaces throughout our city where people feel connected, to resources, to learning, and to each other.”

To learn more about The Indianapolis Public Library and its services, visit indypl.org.

About The Indianapolis Public Library For more than 150 years, The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) has continuously adapted and expanded to serve the evolving needs of our city and its residents. The Indianapolis Public Library strives to be indispensable to our growing number of visitors and stands as a vital public resource to our community. The Indianapolis Public Library has more than 280,000 cardholders and a total annual circulation of 8,737,602 at our 25 branch locations and bookmobile. More information at indypl.org.