Sterling Heights Public Library unveils low-cost mobile outreach bookbox to visit parks and events

Sterling Heights unveiled a new mobile library outreach program May 6, a lower-cost alternative to a traditional bookmobile that the library will pilot at summer events and weekly park locations.

Library Director Tammy Turgeon described the mobile library as a removable box built for the bed of a John Deere tractor maintained by the city’s facilities team. "The box has shelving to store free books, program flyers, and giveaways that the library staff will use to promote the library's programs and services," Turgeon said. She announced the mobile library’s first major outing will be the summer reading kickoff on June 16 and that it will appear weekly at Dodge Park and on area trails.

Scope and limits: Turgeon stressed the service is outreach and promotion only — the mobile library will not issue library cards or check out materials at this time — but will distribute free books donated by the Sterling Heights Friends of the Library. The library expects the program to be a lower‑cost proof of concept for possible future expansion to a full bookmobile if demand and funding justify it. The library’s outreach schedule will be posted at www.shpl.net.

Council reaction: City Manager Mark Vanderpool and council members praised the initiative as a creative, low-cost way to reach residents and celebrate the library’s summer programming. No vote was required; staff sought no funding appropriation during the meeting.

Next steps: Library staff will finalize the outreach schedule and post locations on the library website; council thanked the Friends of the Library and Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation for donations that helped fund the project.