The pandemic disrupted learning and put a spotlight on the lack of reliable home internet and educational enrichment in many historically underserved communities. Even before pandemic learning losses, less than 1/3 of children enter kindergarten in the public elementary schools nearest to the library ready to learn and only 40% were proficient readers by third grade. Mandel Mobile provides services to the neighborhoods most adversely affected by COVID-19 by bringing services where both students and adults live and play.

Funded by IMLS’s CARES Act, this service is one of the Mandel Public Library’s responses to COVID-19 in our community. Mandel Mobile is a hybrid minivan that any library staff member can drive without a special license. Mandel Mobile provides free Wi-Fi access for a half mile radius around the van. The project is a joint effort of three library departments. All are well versed in providing grant-funded, data-based programming and services, but this is the first time they have collaborated on a large-scale project.

Mandel Mobile launched in May 2021 and has served over 500 community members. Over 390 elementary and 35 middle/high students received homework assistance. Twenty-one adults received ESOL help and over 200 received job help or other assistance. By focusing on neighborhoods greatly impacted by COVID-19, we anticipate educational growth for students, career achievement for adults and increased acquisition of the English language for English language learners in communities that can benefit from these services most.