Previously, not a single month would pass without the Bookmobile breaking down due to age and mechanical problems.

But times have changed for the El Paso Public Library. In 1997 the new Bookmobile saw the light of day for the first time. It was ready to roll thanks to the tireless efforts of the community and library employees. They organized fundraising activities to see this dream come true.

El Paso Public Library - Bookmobile in the 1975

Photo of Bookmobile in 1975 Of course a big celebration followed, where mariachis played traditional music…and patrons and staff savored fresh hors d'oeuvres and ice-cold refreshments. This mobile one-stop shop for popular library materials has been serving patrons in more than 25 locations throughout El Paso for some time.

The Bookmobile also attends dozens of functions each year by special request. Sal Gutierrez and Tony Arias are the proud drivers of this newly painted set of wheels. They say the new design is eye-catching and responsible for many second looks. "It sure is a head turner!", say Sal and Tony. Sal also added that he has seen an increase in patron attendance. The times don’t stop rolling for them. Sal and Tony are proud to have seen the Bookmobile evolve into a fully equipped library on wheels that provides full access to the Internet, and offers storytelling and other services already available at all of the other libraries.