Timberland Regional Library Launches New Mobile Library service, "Anywhere Library"

Timberland Regional Library is excited to announce the launch of their mobile library service “Anywhere Library” starting in June 2023. Anywhere Library is a mobile library that brings TRL materials and services directly to community sites.  The service is currently available for Thurston County.

Anywhere Library stops will be scheduled at regular dates and times each month and work just like libraries where patrons can request holds to be delivered to the scheduled stops, return materials, check out new items, and utilize free Wi-Fi and printing services.

Anywhere Library will provide services to patrons who may currently have barriers preventing them from visiting current library locations such as: living in remote or rural locations, issues with mobility, or limited access to transportation. This initiative is a service to reach the diverse communities in the library district as outlined in TRL’s Strategic Direction.

The first Thurston County site will open to the public at the Senior Center of Rainier on June 21 from 12-1 pm with opening celebrations from 10:30-11:30 am. The kickoff will include a Thurston County Chamber ribbon cutting, speakers from TRL, and the City of Rainier.

Other regular stops beginning this summer will include ROOF Community Services in Rochester on Tuesdays from 1-3pm providing library access to the Rochester community, the families using ROOF services, and the Rochester Boys and Girls Club. Anywhere Library will also be at the Rochester United Methodist Church on the fourth Friday of each month from 11:30 am-12:30 pm.  

Anywhere Library services include:

•Access to TRL collections
•Library Card Signup
•Wi-Fi access
•Assistance with library resources
•Requesting and receiving library holds
•Giveaways
•Take-n-make crafts
•Summer Library Program participation
•Storytimes at select locations

Community locations for Anywhere Library stops may include:

•Residential facilities
•Schools
•Meal sites
•Community centers
•Cultural and other various gathering spaces 

Items in the TRL collection available to Anywhere Library patrons are: DVDs, a selection of popular nonfiction titles, large print books, and audiobooks on CD or Playaway. Children’s resources include VOX picture books with audio, Launchpad themed tablets with educational games, math backpacks to support early learning in STEM, and free mobile memberships to the Hands-on Children’s Museum. 

By bringing the library to a variety of community locations, the Anywhere Library staff hope to create partnerships with both the community host sites and the community members utilizing their services. TRL’s Anywhere Library will serve Thurston County initially, with plans to expand to all 5 TRL counties. To view upcoming stops, learn more about Anywhere Library services and resources, or request a stop in your area, visit TRL.org/Anywhere.