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{"id":1904,"date":"2020-01-12T10:45:10","date_gmt":"2020-01-12T10:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lonestar.a1professionals.net\/?p=1904"},"modified":"2020-01-12T11:03:43","modified_gmt":"2020-01-12T11:03:43","slug":"houston-public-library-launches-mobile-express","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lonestar.a1professionals.net\/?p=1904&lang=ar","title":{"rendered":"Houston Public Library Launches Mobile Express"},"content":{"rendered":"

Houston Public Library expands services with mobile tech lab<\/p>\n

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The Houston Public Library\u2019s newest tool is a $325,000 modified RV, with computers, televisions, and a 3-D printer, called the Mobile Express. Library and city officials unveiled the new vehicle in December, replacing an older, antiquated lab. When parked, the Mobile Express can expand its walls to accommodate twenty-four people, twice the capacity of the previous lab.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt allows us to extend beyond our static location,\u201d My\u2019Tesha Tates, who leads the community engagement team that will deploy the RV, told the Houston Chronicle<\/em>. \u201cWe\u2019re able to take this vehicle to places that people eat, sleep, work, and play to provide services that are vital to the community.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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According to the library\u2019s website, the Mobile Express is the library\u2019s “computer classroom on wheels,” a new concept in the delivery of library services, bringing access to technology and a number of programs to high-need neighborhoods. Services provided include literacy programs, workforce-development training, computer training, access to technology, homework help, enrichment programs, ESL classes, after-school programs, and library-card registration.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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HPL Mobile Express is equipped with twelve desktop computers, ten laptops, wi-fi, and a large-screen smart board for instruction, various programs, and more. The lab will expand the library\u2019s services outside of the physical buildings, providing access to much-needed workshops and resources to areas with low to moderate income.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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The Mobile Express was funded by $325,000 in individual donations and private grants. The fundraising drive focused on an effort to bridge the service gaps created by Hurricane Harvey. Of the eight library locations severely damaged by Harvey, only one has been fully repaired. The remaining seven are still under repair or awaiting relocation or reconstruction. Nicole Robinson, deputy director of the Houston Public Library, said transportation and mobility still pose challenges for library services, particularly in underserved communities. That\u2019s where the Mobile Express comes in, she said. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIn many cases, it\u2019s the only resource that people have,\u201d Tates said. \u201cThey haven\u2019t had access to it before. So, we are truly changing the lives of the people we service. That\u2019s what makes it worthwhile.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Criteria for HPL Mobile Express site visits include:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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