The “Rolling Reader” might soon roll to a community center or event near you.
The Contra Costa County Library (CCCL) launched a new all-electric van that will visit underserved communities to provide early literacy programming to children up through 5 years old.
From the outreach van, which was scheduled to make its debut today at the Monument Crisis Center in Concord, Library staff will present storytimes, hand out free books and crafts and provide activities focused on early literacy, motor skills and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
“We recognized that to reach all our communities, we needed to get out of our buildings and take our services to the residents who need them most,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “The goal of the Rolling Reader is to instill a lifelong habit of reading and love for libraries.”
The Bella Vista Foundation and MCE provided funding for the program. Revenue from Measure X, a half-cent sales tax passed by voters in 2020, is funding staffing of the outreach van.
“Early childhood services are one of our County’s top priorities,” said Supervisor John Gioia, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The new library outreach van and early literacy program will improve the lives of many children by making these opportunities easily accessible.”
