Santa Maria Public Library Bookmobile

"Summit was very responsive to our requests and provided the vehicle exactly as we specified. The graphics were beautifully done and the vehicle is easy to operate and use."

Mary Housel, City of Santa Maria Public Library

A New Chapter for Santa Maria’s Sprinter Bookmobile

Santa Maria Public Library needed a bookmobile that could carry library materials while remaining practical for citywide service.

Summit Bodyworks created a 24-foot Sprinter bookmobile with organized shelving, accessible entry, and space to serve patrons inside and outside the vehicle. We also worked closely with the library throughout a design process shaped by COVID-era travel restrictions. The Sprinter chassis gave the library enough room for staff, patrons, and materials without requiring the footprint of a larger bus-style bookmobile.

As Mary Housel of the City of Santa Maria Public Library explained, “The Sprinter model suits our needs perfectly for service within our city. They accommodated our request for a virtual visit instead of an onsite visit during COVID travel restrictions. We appreciated their flexibility and willingness to meet our staff needs.”

Inside, ACORE shelving provides organized space for books and other library materials. The system makes practical use of the available interior while keeping the collection visible and accessible.

Every stop has a story

See how bookmobiles can bring shelves, welcoming spaces, and library services into the communities you want to reach.

Check out our Bookmobiles

A custom brochure rack gives the library a designated place for program information, community resources, and other printed materials.

Accessible Interior and Exterior Service

An automatic wheelchair lift helps patrons with mobility limitations enter the bookmobile. By including the lift in the vehicle design, the library can welcome more patrons inside to browse materials and speak with staff.

The bookmobile also includes an 11.5-foot electric awning. When extended, the awning creates a covered outdoor area alongside the vehicle. The library can use this space for outdoor service, community information, or activities at different stops. Together, the wheelchair lift and awning give staff more flexibility in how they serve patrons at each location.

Adapting the Build Process

COVID-related travel restrictions made a traditional in-person visit difficult during the project. Summit Bodyworks accommodated the library’s request for a virtual visit and continued working with its staff remotely. Our team also suggested adding a germ guard to the vehicle. The library approved the recommendation as an additional protective feature for staff and patrons.

Santa Maria Public Library praised our responsiveness throughout the process, along with the finished graphics and the vehicle’s ease of operation.

Next Stop: More Readers

The completed Sprinter bookmobile gives Santa Maria Public Library a practical way to bring books, information, and library staff into the community. Its compact platform, organized shelving, accessible entry, and exterior service area support the library as it travels throughout the city.