Bookmobile

Our bookmobile is a mobile library that brings books, DVDs, and more to locations throughout Skokie. 

A boy holding a bag opens the door to the bright blue bookmobile bus


Schedule

We’re out and about Skokie five days a week. Check out the schedule below and find the time and location that will be most convenient for you.

Depending on available parking at certain intersections, the bookmobile may not be able to stop in the exact same location each week. Please look around for the friendly blue bus and you’ll be sure to find us within a block of the posted location.

When we're off the road

The bookmobile may be off the road for maintenance or weather. Check this page regularly for bookmobile updates. The bookmobile will also be off the road if:

  • Temperature is 15°F or below
  • Wind chill is below 0°F
  • Heat index is 99.9°F or higher

If there is hazardous weather (thunderstorm, blizzard, etc.) the bookmobile will be off the road if local weather agencies announce a severe weather warning, or if the library determines there is an imminent risk. The bookmobile will continue to make stops if only a severe weather watch is posted.

AVAILABLE SERVICES

You can get a library card on the bookmobile. We also offer free WiFi outside the bookmobile while it is parked at each community stop. You can come onboard and browse books, and holds pickup is also available if you requested "bookmobile" when you placed the hold. 

Picking Up Holds at the Bookmobile

When you reserve an item in our catalog, just specify that you would like it to pick it up from the bookmobile. 

Screenshot of the location selection function in the library catalog

If you aren’t prompted to choose a pickup location when you place a hold, you may need to turn off one-click holds in your library account. You can also change your settings if you would like the bookmobile to be your default pickup location.

Screenshot of the account preferences panel in the library catalog


After you place your hold, wait for an email confirmation saying that your item is ready, and then visit any of our community stops to collect it. You’ll have 7 days to pick it up after we send the email. 

Reserved items that aren’t specifically requested for bookmobile pickup will be held inside the library building. 

If you already have items on hold and you would like to change the pickup location to the bookmobile, just log in to your library account to view your list of items "On Hold" and adjust the “Pick Up At” option for each item using the dropdown menu. Please check your library account and make sure that all of your items are set to the correct pickup location.

Screenshot of the holds queue in the library user account section of the online catalog






Questions?

Need help changing your pickup location? Email us at bookmobile@skokielibrary.info, or call the bookmobile office: 847-324-3416.

Learn More

The bookmobile has been operating in Skokie for more than 60 years! Read about the history of our beloved library on wheels, and check out this video featuring testimony from bookmobile staff and patrons.

Book Bike

Be on the lookout this summer for our book bike! You can find us, weather permitting, at all sorts of events. You may even spot us exploring your neighborhood on one of our community rides.

The book bike looks like a tricycle with the double wheels in the front, flanking a blue and green painted box with characters holding books and wearing helmets.