You don’t need to step into a library to enjoy everything a library has to offer, not when Sno-isle Library on Wheels is around. That’s precisely what Sno-Isle Library on Wheels has been doing for over 75 years, serving neighborhoods across Snohomish County. This unique mobile library service delivers books, resources, and a personal connection to those who might otherwise miss out.
Whether it’s helping a child pick out their very first library book or bringing a stack of mysteries to a senior center, Library on Wheels brings more than just materials; it brings a sense of community.

A Rolling Legacy of Mobile Library Service in Snohomish County
The story of Sno-Isle Library on Wheels began in 1947, when the first bookmobile took to the roads of Washington. Since then, this service has grown into a key part of the Sno-Isle Libraries system, which supports over 800,000 residents through 23 community library branches and a wide range of online and outreach services.
“In 2022, our Bookmobile celebrated its 75th anniversary,” says Katie Leone, a spokesperson for the program. “It’s amazing to see how much we’ve evolved, while still holding true to our core mission.”
That mission is simple but powerful: to bring library services directly to people who can’t easily visit a branch.
“Sno-Isle Libraries is committed to our vision of connecting everyone in the community to the library,” says Leone. “That’s why we bring our services on the road, to meet people where they are, in every corner of Snohomish County.”

Library Services for All and On the Go from Oak Harbor to Monroe
The mobile library makes stops in dozens of communities across Western Washington. “Library on Wheels offers a variety of services, including childcare visits, senior living facility stops, bookmobile routes, outreach events, and more,” says Leone.
The team behind the wheel plays a massive role in the program’s success. “Our library staff are amazing,” Leone continues. “They genuinely care about the people they serve and form strong connections with customers.”
Sonia Gustafson, the Library on Wheels manager, says those personal interactions are what make the job so meaningful. “I see the joy it brings every day,” Gustafson says. “Kids light up when they find a new book. It also helps spark a love of reading in young children through early literacy visits and educational programming at preschools and daycares.”
Library on Wheels plays a vital role in reducing isolation, especially for individuals living in care homes. “Seniors often tell us they look forward to our visits all week. Sometimes we’re their only contact with the outside world,” she adds.

Bookmobiles at Events and Library Outreach Across Washington
In addition to its regular scheduled stops, the Sno-Isle Bookmobile is a frequent sight at local fairs, farmers markets, and community festivals in towns like Marysville, Lynnwood, and Langley.
“You can find the Bookmobile at events all over Snohomish County and Island County,” says Leone. “We love being part of those moments where people discover library services in unexpected places.”
Running a successful mobile library service requires careful planning. With six vehicles, 12 staff members, over 200 recurring stops, and additional one-time events, coordination is key.
“It’s a lot of moving parts,” Gustafson says. “Our schedule is always full, and we make sure the collection on each vehicle is tailored to the community we’re visiting.”

Partnering With Local Organizations to Serve Snohomish and Island Counties
Local partnerships are an important part of the program’s reach. From working with nonprofit organizations to collaborating with schools and senior centers, Sno-Isle Library on Wheels is always looking for ways to expand its impact.
“Sno-Isle Libraries partners with a wide variety of local groups on events and programming,” says Leone. “There are simply too many valuable community partners to list individually, but we appreciate how they all help us connect more people to library services in our region.”
Of course, being a mobile service means dealing with the occasional curveball, like unpredictable Washington weather. “The weather can be a challenge,” Leone says, “but our team is resilient and always ready to roll.”

The Future of Mobile Library Service in Snohomish and Island Counties
“We’re always looking for new ways to reach people,” Leone says. “Help us spread the word. There are still so many residents who don’t know about the amazing library services we can bring right to them.”
The Sno-Isle Library on Wheels program is funded through the general library levy, which helps keep the service reliable and free to the public.
To find out where the Bookmobile will be next, or to learn how to bring Library on Wheels to your neighborhood, visit the Sno-Isle Libraries website or follow Sno-Isle Library on Wheels on Facebook.