Tucson's Bookmobile-Readrunners: Discontinued in 2018

The Bookmobile-Readrunners program in Tucson is no longer operating.

History

• Run by Pima County Public Library (PCPL).
• Provided mobile library services to underserved neighborhoods, schools, senior centers, rural areas.
• Fleet: 2–3 bookmobiles ("Readrunners" branded).

Discontinuation

• Year: 2018.
• Reason: Budget cuts; PCPL redirected funds to branch hours, digital collections, and outreach vans (smaller, cheaper).
• Community response: Petitions, letters; service gaps noted in far south/east Tucson.

Current Alternatives

• Library branches: 27 locations across Pima County.
• Outreach vans: "Library on the Go" — smaller vehicles for events, pop-ups.
• Digital: Libby/OverDrive (e-books/audio), databases, streaming.
• Books-by-Mail: For homebound residents.
• Little Free Libraries: 100+ community boxes.

If You Need Mobile Service

Contact PCPL Outreach: (520) 791-4010 or library.pima.gov — they schedule pop-ups by request.

The Readrunners name lives in memory; the mission continues in new forms.