The new Friends of the Library outreach van promotes literacy by providing books for readers of all ages. Courtesy Smith Library

Smith Public Library patrons may notice a brightly colored van in the parking lot this summer. The new Friends of the Library outreach van, funded by Project Judy, promotes literacy by providing books for readers of all ages.

Project Judy is funded through an anonymous donation to the Friends of the Library.

“The purpose of the donation is to spread literacy and provide opportunities to those that may not have been as fortunate in life,” library Director Ofilia Barrera said.

Funds from Project Judy are also used for the library’s ESL classes, and GED classes are planned for the fall.

After receiving the donation, library staff spent about six months purchasing and equipping the van to meet the library’s needs.

The customized van features the Friends of the Library logo and graphics matching its bright color palette. The back showcases a photo of the Smith Public Library building as part of the Project Judy logo.

During June, the outreach van made stops alongside the Wylie ISD Bookmobile and will continue visiting locations throughout the summer. Barrera said the van will attend school and community events, including grand openings, when invited.

The free books distributed at each stop are donated, with selections available for everyone from infants to adults. Books can be returned for recirculation or, if a return is not possible, kept or passed along to another reader.

“We would eventually like to do pop-up library events, but we are working on a way to staff those without affecting service here at the library,” Barrera said.

Once a month, the van visits Silver Linings patrons to deliver library materials and pick up previously borrowed items.

“This service is for patrons who live in the Wylie city limits, have a current library card and cannot drive due to a medical condition, temporary or permanent,” Barrera said.

For updates on the outreach van’s upcoming stops, visit the Smith Public Library Facebook page.

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By Allison LaBrot | [email protected]