Pleasanton Library unveils Zippy mobile outreach vehicle after multi‑year grant effort

Library staff presented Zippy, Pleasanton’s new 28‑ to 29‑foot outreach vehicle, and described its launch, funding, equipment and near‑term schedule at the June 5 Pleasanton Library Commission meeting.

Library staff said the vehicle “is our department’s newest addition and launched on Saturday to a very warm recognition from the community,” and that about 250 people toured Zippy at the launch. The vehicle is a step van built on a Ford chassis by Farber Vehicles with added shelving, a wheelchair lift and an exterior awning for outdoor programming.

The project was funded with a $175,000 matching grant awarded through the State of California and administered by the California State Library, matched by $175,000 from the city, plus a $10,000 donation from the Friends of the Pleasanton Library and roughly $12,000 from the Black Gold Cooperative Library System, staff said. Staff said supply‑chain delays and specialized equipment extended the project over four fiscal years.

Staff described core interior and exterior features: built‑in customizable shelving and book trucks that work with a rear wheelchair lift, an exterior video monitor and speaker system, a backup generator that powered air conditioning during a four‑hour outdoor trial, and space for STEM and “Library of Things” items. “We offloaded the vehicle within 30 minutes on the day of the launch,” staff said.

Commissioners asked about operational details. Staff said the library has trained roughly five drivers (staff counted themselves as “0.5” while completing remaining training) after CHP‑recommended behind‑the‑wheel and safety instruction; the CHP‑style vehicle inspection form (DVIR) and an eight‑hour driving program were described as required training and insurance compliance steps. Staff said typical outreach staffing will include the driver plus one additional staff member for many events, with higher staffing anticipated for large community events such as the July concerts in the park.

On operations, staff said the generator requires shore power while parked (“it does have to be plugged in when it’s parked”), and the team is testing stop durations and locations. Planned early stops mentioned included Cottage Village Park in June and Ken Mercer Park in July; staff said scheduling and a published route will be announced after library hours and staff schedules are finalized. Staff also said they are exploring partnerships with schools and community organizations (Access Community Health, Hively and others were named) and that the Friends group may help fund program elements.

Staff noted accessibility and safety measures and described a training and vehicle inspection protocol to be followed before each use. Staff cautioned that Zippy will begin with a modest cadence (about once a month as the team gauges demand) while the program scales.

Community members at the launch and commissioners also asked whether Zippy could accept returns; staff said there is not yet a formal plan but “we don’t see why not” and that the team would earmark returned items appropriately for check‑in.

The commission added a future agenda item to receive continuing updates on Zippy’s schedule, staffing and partnerships.