Handcrafted, eco-friendly bookmobiles.

We build every Meridian bookmobile with the program mission and patrons in mind. To do so, we communicate closely with you at every stage of our process, beginning with a comprehensive and diligent investigation into your needs and desires, and updating progress daily with digital photographs.



To us, there's no such thing as a “standard” bookmobile. To create a cost-effective, client-tailored solution, we craft every bookmobile from scratch through a collaborative process. Part of that process means thinking practically: our finished bookmobiles come well-equipped to deliver years of reliable service.

    

We know libraries are concerned with the environmental impact of bookmobiles, and so are we. Meridian has a deep and profound desire to incorporate eco-friendly solutions into every bookmobile we build. Let Meridian show you how to replace generators with solar power, or upgrade to alternative fuel, hybrid, or even all-electric vehicles. We take our commitment to providing full service, eco-friendly bookmobiles seriously.  Ask us how we can custom tailor a solution that you can be proud of.

Bookmobile Types

Bookmobiles can be built on virtually any type of commercially sound vehicle chassis, and chassis selection is a critical step towards filling your libraries goals. Meridian tends to focus on four general chassis types:

Bus Custom bus chassis make great bookmobile platforms as they are spacious, extremely durable and reliable, and offer enough flexibility for extensive customization if needed. Buses are wide and long and require dedicated drivers and in most cases, a commercial driver’s license to operate. They are also very heavy and so cost more to operate (larger engine, tires, brakes, higher fuel use, etc.)

Commercial Chassis Commercial chassis (or “step-vans”) also make great bookmobile platforms for many of the same reasons as bus chassis. However, in addition to all of the benefits of the bus chassis, commercial chassis can be built lighter and generally offer much more headroom, creating a more inviting interior without additional cost. Because all commercial chassis are custom built, virtually any body option or customized feature is available.

ELF Extremely Low Floor chassis are unique in many ways and make great bookmobile platforms, particularly for serving retirees and very young patrons. While not quite as spacious or as highly customizable as busses or commercial chassis, ELFs can be built on extremely durable “foundations” in a variety of configurations. Generally, ELFs cost less to maintain and operate than their bigger cousins. Meridian specializes in building ELFs that offer all of the luxuries of larger bookmobiles without the need for generators.

Sprinters The Sprinter van platform has been in service for decades around the world. Introduced into the U.S. in the late 1990’s, it has transformed the thinking of bookmobile manufacturers and program managers nationwide. Now manufactured exclusively by Mercedes Benz, the Sprinter is easily the most affordable and drivable bookmobile chassis available – no need for CDL’s, and in many cases, no need for dedicated drivers. Mile for mile, or book for book, no matter how you measure it, Sprinter ownership and program management costs a fraction of what other chassis cost. Meridian specializes in building fully-appointed Sprinters — no generator needed! If your organization can afford to limit its book volume to about 2500, we strongly recommend considering the advantages of a Sprinter.

    

Special Features

In addition to chassis selection and customization, Meridian specializes in providing the highest end and latest available components and technology. Here are just a few of the special features we're happy to offer:

• Custom adjustable bookshelves
• Advanced lighting options
• “Digital” components
• WiFi
• Computer stations
• Sound absorption materials
• Wheelchair accessibility options
• Generator replacement options
• Awnings and custom tents
• Advanced solar power systems
• Alternative fuel chassis
• Exterior Lighting

We can install virtually any upgrade, so please don't feel limited to this list.

Click here to see our bookmobile for sale.