For sale: one purple bookmobile
Vroom.
The Albany Public Library is selling its bookmobile, AKA "The Big Purple Bus." And it could be yours for the low, low price of just $10,000.
Here's the rundown on this very plum transport:
- Built in 1991 by Thomas, retrofitted by Matthews
- 3208 Cat engine, 8 cylinders, diesel
- 200,000 miles and 11,000 hours of use
- 36 feet long, titled as heavy truck
- Front and rear entrances
- Newer generator and 3 air conditioning units
- Can store up to 3,000 books in custom-built shelving
The APL has retired the bookmobile because it no longer needs it for outreach -- the system opened five new branch libraries over the last year.
Earlier on AOA: The best bang for your library buck
(Thanks, LB!)
photo courtesy of Albany Public Library
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Comments
In my more deranged fantasies, I buy this Bookmobile and outfit it as a mobile used bookstore serving espresso and cupcakes. DO YOU HEAR ME, NEW YORK LOTTERY?
... said LB on Sep 8, 2010 at 9:58 PM | link
@LB: Nice.
... said ethan on Sep 9, 2010 at 9:11 AM | link
Ha, and I thought I was nuts for imaging a sort of mobile version of the old Bryn Mawr used book shop...with coffee, of course.
... said Paula on Sep 9, 2010 at 10:04 AM | link
No way!
With some armor plating, strategic chain saw slots, and a mobile uplink this could be one sweet Zombie Eradication Command Center!
It’s getting close to that time of year kids… don’t forget that old nursery rhyme:
“When pumpkins swell and the corn is high,
See the leaves turn yellow and red.
When the night is chill and the wolves do cry,
Beware the walking dead!â€
... said Sandor on Sep 9, 2010 at 10:25 AM | link
$10,000 isn't a king's ransom. If I were more organized, I'd consider taking up a collection for LB's stunning plan.
If people will give money for a burned down bar, don't you think they might be compelled to give for the country's first mobile espresso bar, cupcakerie and used book store?
... said Daniel B. on Sep 9, 2010 at 9:46 PM | link
Any pictures of the inside? Next to pictures of covered bridges, I love taking pictures of shelves filled with books.
... said josie on Sep 10, 2010 at 9:36 AM | link
I second the cupcake/coffee plan! I'd give money for that!!
... said christa on Sep 11, 2010 at 8:57 PM | link
It's (almost) April Fool's Day, 2011. Is the vehicle still for sale?
... said robert moore on Mar 31, 2011 at 10:03 PM | link
So, in they end they pretty much gave it away... it would have been too large for my driveway anyway ;)
... said Dave Lucas on Jul 17, 2011 at 2:19 PM | link
We are searching for a bookmobile. Is this one still available?
... said Kathy on Oct 12, 2012 at 6:35 PM | link