Request the Mobile Library

The Mobile Library

The Mobile Library is going back on the road! We will be announcing new Mobile Library stops monthly, so be sure to check back each month for the latest updates. To find out when we’ll be in your neighborhood, follow the instructions below.

How do I find the Mobile Library or Outreach Van near me?

1. Click here to access our Events Calendar.

2. At the top of the page, there will be a section that allows you to filter by location, age group or event type.

3. Click to filter by “Location” and select “Mobile Library.”

4. Then all Mobile Library and Outreach Van stops will appear in the calendar, and you can search for the stops that work best for you. Each listing will indicate whether it is an Outreach Van stop or a Mobile Library stop in the title of the listing, as well as by a Mobile Library icon or Outreach Van icon accompanying the listing. Be sure to check carefully before you head out to see us.

Mobile Library and Outreach Van Services

What is the difference between the Mobile Library and the Outreach Van?

Mobile Library

Outreach Van
FREE WiFi access for unlimited customers
(approx. 100 ft radius from vehicle)		 Mobile Library outreach van image
Library Card Services
(Registrations/Renewals/Updates)		 ✔ ✔
Pop-Up Programs and To-Go Craft Kits ✔ ✔
Materials check out & returns  ✔ ✔
Computer for public use ✔ ✔
FREE printing & copying
(Limit 20 color OR 20 black/white pages) 		 ✔ Not available
500by5 Starter Kit Pickup ✔ ✔
Curbside Pickup ✔ Not available

*The Mobile Library and Outreach Van are unable to accept money for fines, fees or additional printing.

In 2015, Executive Director Janet Salazar met with Commissioner Amanda Stewart, ex officio board member and library Board of Trustees President Claudia Bellony-Atanga to discuss possible ways to expand the library. A proposal for a mobile library was presented to the commissioners at a public meeting in May 2016. In July 2016 the money for the purchase of the mobile library vehicle was released by the commissioners and the order for the mobile library vehicle was placed in August 2016.

The 26 foot long vehicle, with 17 feet of loading space, has a wheelchair lift for accessibility, a side awning for outdoor programming, two public computer stations and the capacity to hold up to 2,000 books. The Mobile Library offers access to adult, teen, and children’s collections, online resources and databases, free Wifi, and public use computers. Special visits to schools and community events will be available upon request. Partnering opportunities are available.

For more information about the mobile library, please contact Mobile Services at 301.456.4333, by email at mobileservices [at] ccplonline [dot] org.

The Charles County Public Library Mobile Services Van is on the road 20 days of every month serving individual and groups in all areas of Charles County.

  • Library materials and reference services are delivered to homebound customers that are unable to visit the library due to health problems and disabilities.
  • Story Time programming and library materials are provided to childcare providers, childcare centers and Head Start programs throughout the county.
  • Lending library deposit collections of non-bar-coded materials are maintained at a variety of sites in outlying areas of the county. New materials are rotated to the sites once every month.
  • Mobile Services also provides a range of special programs and workshops as scheduling allows. These programs may include presentations in nursing homes, to senior groups, summer camps, and family centers.

Mobile Library Visits

The Mobile Library Branch provides a monthly visit to childcare centers, home daycare providers, and various preschool classrooms. This service is designed to promote literacy in children while encouraging the love of books and lifelong reading. The program also assists teachers in learning exciting new techniques through the use of books and activities.

Who qualifies for Story Time?

  • Daycare centers or in-home daycares that are licensed through the Office of Child Care Licensing and Regulation and have a minimum enrollment of 5 children ages 18 months to 5 years. A minimum attendance of 5 children, ages 18 months to 5 years, MUST be present during the monthly Story Time.
  • Head Start classes, Public and Private Preschools with a minimum enrollment of 5 children ages 18 months to 5 years. A minimum attendance of 5 children, ages 18 months to 5 years, MUST be present during the monthly Story Time.

What is involved in the Story Time visit?

During the months of October through March, a member of the Mobile Library Branch will come to your location and present a 25-30 minute Story Time. During this visit, the Mobile Library Branch staff will present various books, songs, finger plays, and other activities related to the monthly theme. After the Story Time program, children may be given the opportunity to check out library books.

How do I apply?

If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in the Story Time program, please contact the Mobile Library by email at mobileservices [at] ccplonline [dot] org.

*****Story Time sessions are limited. Please contact the Mobile Library Branch prior to the upcoming school year no later than Aug. 1st. If there is a waiting list, participation may be on a rotating basis.

Homebound Library Services Deliveries

Are you or a loved one unable to come to the library? The Mobile Services Department provides free year-round service to qualified homebound residents of Charles County.

Who qualifies for homebound deliveries? Individuals who:

  • Have a medical condition that limits their ability to visit the library; OR
  • Are unable to leave home (due to an illness, disability, injury, etc.); OR
  • Reside in an assisted living, nursing or retirement community.
  • Qualified customers must reside in Charles County.

How does homebound delivery work?

Customers can request specific titles and authors or have a Mobile Services staff member select for them according to his/her interest. Mobile Services staff will make every attempt to fill the request with library materials but Book Express and DVD Express items are not available for homebound deliveries.

Mobile Services staff will establish a specific day and time each month for the delivery visit. This is a year-round service, staff will do their best to accommodate for missed visits due to Holidays.

All items will be delivered and returned by the Mobile Services staff. Homebound customers are not charged fines for lost or damaged items.

Mobile Services visits may be canceled if the Charles County Public Schools announce a delayed opening or closure due to inclement weather.

How do I apply?

If you are a qualified homebound resident of Charles County and would like library materials delivered to your residence, please contact Mobile Services at 301.934.9001 Ext. 123, by email at mobileservices [at] ccplonline [dot] org.

Request the Mobile Library

Want to request the Mobile Library to visit your neighborhood or attend a community event? Make a request by filling out the “Request the Mobile Library” form using this link or by clicking the button below.

Request the Mobile Library

Want to request the Mobile Library to visit your neighborhood? Make a request by filling out the “Request the Mobile Library” form using this link or by clicking the button below.

Request the Mobile Library

Please include detailed information. All requests must be made at least two months in advance.