New RIT student-designed bookmobile drives library access

Max Stromfeld '25

Rochester Public Library's recently unveiled RPL GO!, the city's revived bookmobile program, was designed by students in RIT's graphic, industrial, and interior design programs.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans has cherished childhood memories of the city’s “bookmobile,” a library-on-wheels that brings services and resources directly to community members. 

That joy is returning to a new generation, thanks to a collaboration between RIT’s School of Design, Rochester Public Library (RPL), and the City of Rochester. Sidelined since 2003, the city’s mobile library — spurred by renewed enthusiasm, state funding, and students’ design vision — is slated to get back on the road this year.

RPL GO!, a van retrofitted with library materials and offerings, will visit local neighborhoods in service of individuals unable to access physical library branches. It is anticipated to be road-ready in 2025 and operate out of the library system’s Lyell Avenue branch.

“I can’t think of a better mode of transportation than a library on wheels,” Evans said during a news conference unveiling Rochester’s resurrected literacy treasure, 102 years after the city rolled out the state’s first bookmobile. 

Students in interior design Adjunct Faculty Kelly Jahn’s Studio Topics in Art and Design course, representing the graphic design, industrial design and interior design programs, developed and proposed design solutions that inspired the final design. From vibrant exterior graphics and a lift system for entry to storage solutions and the overall function, students made comprehensive design packages used to build out the bookmobile. 

“For students, it was an opportunity to apply their design skills in a meaningful context that enhanced their education and contributed positively to society,” Jahn said. “The interdisciplinary approach enriched the learning experience and prepared students for the multifaceted nature of real-world projects. Designing for functionality, accessibility, and impact pushes students to think beyond aesthetics and prioritize the practicalities of the space and structure.”

This iteration of the bookmobile is equipped with traditional and contemporary amenities. The goal is to deliver library services and resources to community members through jaunts to different neighborhoods and events, as well as programming. Local officials and leaders of the project believe increasing community library access by traveling to residents can help overcome literacy challenges.

The bookmobile sports modular book carts, books, display shelves, an awning, digital media equipment, printers, and Wi-Fi capacity to fully accommodate visitors.

“The mobile library expands the library’s outreach to those who face barriers to accessing traditional library facilities,” Jahn said. “By reaching these populations, the mobile library ensures that library resources, educational opportunities, and community engagement are available to all members. The mobile library project embodies the power of student-driven innovation to address community needs and promote inclusivity in education and information access.”

The van’s exterior wrap includes a tribute to Leroy Cox, a longtime Rochester library clerk and driver of a previous city bookmobile for 25 years who passed away in 2024.


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