Our Purpose
The Santa Clara County Library District Bookmobile provides personalized, comprehensive library service to people who may have difficulty visiting a community library -- including seniors, individuals with physical limitations, children, and geographically remote residents in the cities of:
- Campbell
- Cupertino
- Gilroy
- Los Altos
- Milpitas
- Morgan Hill
- Saratoga
- Unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County
Our Services
The Bookmobile visits institutions such as housing and special care facilities. See our Route Schedule for daily stops.
The selection of stops is based on a variety of factors, including distance from a community library, mobility of customers, and service needs. A stop may be discontinued due to low use, safety considerations, or violations of library policies.
See our Current Stops map to find the one nearest you. Suggestions of new stops are welcome!
Deliveries
In addition to regularly scheduled stops, the Bookmobile delivers a selection of titles to eligible institutions when a full service stop is not feasible.
BookDash Home Delivery
Do you have difficulty getting to the library due to a family illness, injury, medical condition, or disability? We may have a solution for you!
Santa Clara County Library District is providing BookDash, a free home delivery service, where library materials are delivered to your front door. This service is offered to the cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Saratoga, and the unincorporated areas of the county.
To enroll, visit https://sccld.org/accessibility/#bookdash
Library Cards
The Santa Clara County Library District card may be used on the Bookmobile or at any of the libraries in the Santa Clara County Library District. You may apply for a card and establish a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in person on the Bookmobile.
Please bring identification and verification of mailing address. We will ask you to select a regular Bookmobile stop for the delivery of requested items.
In addition to checking out books and other materials, you can access online resources with your library card account at any time: Visit the Online Library 24/7!
Bookmobile Collection
The Bookmobile carries a range of items, including:
- Books
- Audiobooks
- Bestsellers
- Large-type titles
- Magazines
- CDs
- DVDs
- Console games
- International language materials
Please note:
The Catalog status of "In" at Bookmobile Department does not necessarily mean an item is on board the Bookmobile.
The Bookmobile Collection is a popular browsing collection which may change daily depending on the demographics of the stops being served that day.
Please place a hold or call the Bookmobile Office to ensure you receive a particular item from the Bookmobile Collection.
Circulation Policies and Procedures
Loan Period: Items checked out on the Bookmobile may be kept for four weeks, or until the next return visit of the Bookmobile to that stop.
Returns: Items may be returned to the Bookmobile or any of the libraries in the Santa Clara County Library District.
Renewals: Most items can be renewed three times. Renewals can be done in person, by telephone at (408) 540-3945, or by accessing your account in the Library Catalog.
No late fines are charged for any items returned; however, items are considered lost when they become four weeks overdue. The cost of the item and a processing fee are charged for lost and damaged items.
Unresolved fees may result in the loss of library privileges and/or referral to a billing agency.
Requesting Materials
Santa Clara County Library District Bookmobile patrons can access the Santa Clara County Library District Catalog using a special Bookmobile account. This allows regular Bookmobile patrons to place holds on any Santa Clara County Library District material, including Bookmobile materials.
When these items become available, they will be delivered to your regular Bookmobile stop. Please confirm your Bookmobile stop by checking with the staff at your next visit to the Bookmobile or by calling (408) 883-6959.
You may reserve items not found on the Bookmobile and have them delivered to your designated stop by:
- Making a request in person
- Placing a hold through the online Catalog*
- Calling the Bookmobile Office at (408) 883-6959
*Having trouble placing a hold in the online catalog? Try the Classic Catalog.
Contact the Bookmobile
Bookmobile Librarian: Amytha Willard
Email: Bookmobile_Manager@sccl.org
Bookmobile Office: If you have any questions, comments, or requests, you may call the Bookmobile Office. Please leave a message if the staff is out.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Phone: (408) 883-6959
@SCCLDBookmobile, opens a new window
, opens a new window@sccld_bookmobile
For account questions, email circ@lib.sccgov.org or call (408) 540-3945.
Current Stops
Our Bookmobile stops are chosen by determining if a community has difficulty getting to a library due to age, physical limitation, and remote location, as well as Bookmobile schedule availability.
The Bookmobile visits institutions such as housing and special care facilities. A stop may be discontinued due to low use, safety considerations, or violations of library policies.
If you are interested in becoming a Bookmobile stop and your location falls within Santa Clara County Library's district, please contact the Bookmobile Office at (408) 883-6959.
Bookmobile Timeline
1953
June 2nd: The first Bookmobile begins service. All 40 stops are in outlying areas where no branches are established.
It is immediately popular and successful.
1956
A second Bookmobile is established.
1958
A third Bookmobile begins service.
The Bookmobile now services over 100 stops, mainly to young families with children and elementary-age children who attend schools with no library.
1978
Proposition 13 passes resulting in a reduction in service. Two Bookmobiles continue to serve the community.
1981
March: Service is further reduced to one Bookmobile with bi-weekly service.
1980's & 1990's
Bookmobile service evolves and changes depending on funding and changing social patterns, including the growth of preschools and retirement communities.
2004
Due to deep budget cuts, the Bookmobile goes to 4-day service for 34 stops, Tuesday through Friday.
Service is dropped to most preschool/school facilities while changing focus to geographically remote patrons, patrons with limited mobility, and special-needs patrons.
Today
The current Bookmobile has 51 stops in every community in the County, including unincorporated areas and preschool/school facilities, and runs Monday through Saturday.
