What is Storymobile? The Storymobile has been in operation since 1993 and has traditionally brought stories and books to public housing and child care settings for low-income families in the greater Pittsburgh region. The visits are designed to help extend reading and literacy-based activities into the homes of children by allowing them to borrow from a large selection of age-appropriate, high quality books.

How does it work? Low-income families often avoid library visits due to old fines or fear of losing and having to replace books. The Storymobiles are unique in that children are placed on an honor system for borrowing books. No fines or penalties are levied for late or lost books. Children who return books are given an increase in the number of books they may borrow on their next visit. Child care homes and centers can refresh their bookshelves with books lent to them during the Storymobile bi-monthly visit. We have books for adults and resource books for parents and teachers. We encourage parents to model reading for their children by becoming daily readers themselves. The Storymobiles visit all of the sites twice per month in the following communities: North Side, South Side, Homewood, East Liberty, East Hills, West End, Hazelwood, and Hill District areas of Pittsburgh.

What are the benefits? Children who live in low-income neighborhoods benefit from the Storymobile visits. They have the opportunity to hear stories read aloud by caring adults. Knowledgeable staff, whio are aware of age and developmentally appropriate reading materials, have selected books for the children’s reading pleasure. Materials are judged on their quality, appeal, and ability to expand a child’s world. Storymobiles also participate in literacy related special events throughout the area. For the past four years, the Storymobile has been at the annual kick-off of America Reads with the University of Pittsburgh. The Storymobile has been a part of “Read Across Wilkinsburg” for the past two years. The Storymobile and staff were a part of the Three Rivers Arts Festival Literacy Celebration supporting the School District of Pittsburgh with storytelling and book sharing. Recently the Storymobiles were asked to be a part of the Pittsburgh School for the Blind Library week celebration by having children participate in a storytime and have access to books.

How can I learn more? Please contact Denise Hill, Director, Early Literacy Outreach at 412-361-8560 or email Denise Hill