The BookMobile: FAQs

What is a BookMobile?
Can I get a library card on the BookMobile?
How many items can I check out at one time?
Where can I return BookMobile books and other library materials?
Is the BookMobile just for Kids or only for Adults?
Where does the BookMobile go?

What is a BookMobile? The NPL BookMobile is a library on wheels. Our first Bookmobile was financed by the Friends of the Library. Today's Bookmobile was a gift, in 1996, to the residents of Newport from The Champlin Foundations.

Can I get a library card on the BookMobile?

Yes. Free OSL cards (Ocean State Libraries) are issued to Rhode Islanders - either at the Main Library or on the BookMobile - upon presentation of photo identification and proof of current address. Parents or legal guardians must sign applications for children under the age of 17.

You may also replace a lost library card for a replacement fee of $1.00.

How many items can I check out at one time?

You may check out a reasonable number of books on a particular subject. The BookMobile has no stated limit on books for youngsters or adults.

Where can I return BookMobile books or other materials?

All Ocean State Libraries, including the BookMobile, accept books and other library materials from any other Ocean State Library for delivery back to their "home" library. BookMobile books and materials may be returned at the main library or left at any public library in Rhode Island, to be put into a state-wide delivery system.

Is the BookMobile just for Kids or only for Adults? It's for both. The BookMobile carries a collection of over 3,000 items, including books, videos and DVDs. Of this total collection, 60% of the titles are geared for adult readers. The remaining 40% is for youngsters, from the very young up to and including books for young adults (teens).

Where does the BookMobile go?

You can always find out about our 16 stops by looking at the BookMobile Schedule of Stops. Print schedules are always available on the BookMobile or at the Circulation or Reference Desks at the main library.