Read LA! Bookmobile
The Read LA! Bookmobile spreads the joy of reading by bringing free books and literacy programming to children and families across Los Angeles County.
Access to books at home is associated with stronger children’s language and literacy skills.¹ Pediatricians encourage shared reading, beginning at birth and continuing at least through kindergarten.² However, children’s books can be hard to come by in many low-income communities. “Book deserts” have far more limited access to books in stores, libraries, and schools than affluent communities.³ Higher-income families report having twice as many books at home as lower-income families.⁴ In some LA neighborhoods, children may have access to as few as one book for every 100 to 300 children.⁵
The Read LA! Bookmobile visits schools, parks, community centers, clinics, neighborhood events, and conferences to help children build their home libraries, strengthen reading habits, and develop a lifelong love of reading.
The Read LA! Bookmobile is made possible by the generosity of individuals and foundations. Your support will help us reach and bring joy to thousands of children across Los Angeles!
The Origin Story
Following the Eaton Fire, San Diego residents Mary and Johnny Randel used their bookmobile (developed as a personal project during the COVID-19 pandemic) to distribute books to children who had lost their home libraries. During those relief efforts, FIS searched for collaboration opportunities, came across the Randels online, and reached out to partner with them. Inspired by our shared commitment to literacy, Mary and Johnny generously donated their bookmobile to FIS so it could continue serving families throughout Los Angeles.
The Read LA! Bookmobile was unveiled in June 2026 at James Madison Elementary School in Pasadena, where students participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, explored this mobile literacy hub, and picked out free books.
Who the Bookmobile Serves
Through the Read LA! Bookmobile, FIS is bringing books and early literacy resources to children and families throughout Los Angeles County, particularly prioritizing locations with high literacy needs like:
- Book deserts, which primarily exist around low-income neighborhoods.
- Communities highly impacted by recent immigration enforcement who are now discouraged from leaving their homes and local areas.
- Regions impacted by the LA County Wildfires, where families need to rebuild their children’s personal libraries.
Past Bookmobile Stops
Stay Updated on Future Bookmobile Visits
The Read LA! Bookmobile has partnered with summer camps, nonprofits, and schools to bring the joy of reading to children and families throughout LA County.
Are you interested in seeing the bookmobile in your community? Sign up to receive updates for any future public stops of the Read LA! Bookmobile!