About | Antelope Lending Library | Bookmobile

Our Story

Traditional library fees and fines may seem like no big deal: 50 cents here, a few bucks there for items returned late, maybe as much as $40 or more for lost or damaged items. While for some these charges can be annoying or maybe even embarrassing, for those living at or below the poverty line library fines are barriers to library use that can negatively impact generations.

One of our young bookmobile patrons told us recently that his family couldn't afford groceries one week after paying all their library fines at a local public library. We assured him that at Antelope Lending Library, with our fees-free model, we'll never take his, or anyone else's, grocery money.

Studies show that for children who live in communities of privilege, there are 13 books for every 1 child. In contrast, in communities of concentrated poverty there is only about 1 book for every 300 children. Truly free library access is a key part of working to eliminate this type of radical inequity.

Antelope Lending Library, founded in 2012, is an independent, non-profit bookmobile library working to overcome barriers and provide full and equal access to information and ideas in our community. All materials are lent on a no-fees basis, so access is always free, no matter what. With your help we'll keep serving our community for many years to come.

We are a James Gang endeavor and 501(C)3 nonprofit organization.