FRED’s second chapter: Windsor Public Library unveils second bookmobile

The Windsor Public Library has unveiled its second bookmobile, after the original one broke down in 2020. CTV Windsor’s Kate Otterbein checks it out.

The Windsor Public Library (WPL) has unveiled its second bookmobile, which made its first stop at Captain John Wilson Park on Thursday.

The bookmobile was brought back to life after the previous one, which began in 2016, broke down in 2020. It’s named FRED 2.0, after its predecessor, FRED.

FRED stands for Freedom to Read, Educate, and Discover.

The bookmobile will bring families and kids, like Avgustin, more access to the library, especially in south Windsor.

Avgustin took CTV Windsor through the vehicle, giving a full tour.

“There’s some Geronimo Stilton and I’m pretty sure there will be Launchpad iPads here,” the young Windsorite said.

Avgustin has big plans now that the bookmobile has made its first stop, which is becoming the owner of the next WPL in the city’s south end.

“The library will be [called] Avgustin, it will be the center of the park,” Avgustin proclaimed.

“Yeah… And I would own this place, okay?”

While there are plans for a proper bricks and mortar library in south Windsor, Ward 9 Councillor and WPL Board Vice-Chair, Kieran McKenzie, said Avgustin will have to wait a little bit longer for that to become a reality.

“There’s an ongoing discussion and I’ve been working very hard to bring a bricks and mortar facility out to Southeast Windsor, but we’re not there yet,” said McKenzie.

“This initiative [the bookmobile] underscores our Library Board’s and City Council’s commitment to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the wealth of resources and services that our library offers.”

The bookmobile features movies, books, and other resources for all ages. They can be checked out in the bookmobile and returned to any WPL branch or FRED 2.0.

If you don’t have a library card to check something out, that request can also be fulfilled on the bookmobile.

“What we’ve been striving to do as an administration, as well as the board of directors and all members of city council, is to be able to meet the service level expectations that people in the community have,” said McKenzie.

“This is an example of council and the library recognizing a service demand, meeting that demand.”

The vehicle is fully accessible and has a lift.

Wondering where FRED 2.0 will be? Here’s a full schedule:

Sunday, July 6

• Roundhouse Centre at 3155 Howard Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Jackson Park at 125 Tecumseh Road East from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, July 8

• Reginald Community Housing Corporation at 5445 Reginald Street from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, July 9

• The Unemployed Help Centre at 6955 Cantelon Drive, off Lauzon, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, July 12

• City Hall Square for the grand opening of City Hall Square from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, July 16

• John McGivney Centre at 3945 Matchett Road from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday, July 17

• Harmony in Action from 3333 Woodword Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Tuesday, July 29

• Reginal Community Housing Corporation at 5445 Reginald Street from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex at 2555 Pulford Street from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

If you would like to make a suggestion on where FRED 2.0 should stop, you can do so in the comment sections here. The latest updates are also found at the same spot.