SacRT introduces new rolling library train

The Sacramento Public Library and the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) launched the city’s first rolling library train during an event at the Cosumnes River College Station.  

The brightly decorated train promotes riding and reading and marks the first time the interior of a SacRT light-rail train has been completely reimagined.  

“SacRT is delighted to be able to provide an innovative and engaging way to advertise free services provided by an important community partner,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “The virtual program reflects our ongoing efforts to expand the role we play in the greater community.”   

Riders can sit back, relax and read a book while Sacramento’s new rolling library train takes them to their destination.  

When riders step onboard the library train, they will feel like they have been transported into a library as the walls and seatbacks resemble books on shelves. Riders can find hidden gems on those bookshelves featuring QR codes to free downloadable materials from the Sacramento Public Library. 

“This partnership really highlights the nexus between public transit and community value,” said SacRT Board Chair and city of Citrus Heights Councilmember Steve Miller. “Having a virtual rolling library not only provides free access to learning resources and professional development tools, but it also encourages more people to ride transit instead of driving.”  

Riders take out their phone and scan the QR code, which takes them to different library resources that they can access for free.   

The virtual library train will travel on both the Blue and Gold light-rail lines. For customers that would prefer to visit the library in person, visit sacrt.com/rollinglibrary to find out which SacRT transit services connect to each library location.   

“Together with SacRT, we’ve created the Sacramento Rolling Library Train. The idea of taking the library to the streets and removing that barrier to access is really what the Rolling Library Train is about. It encapsulates the ethos of libraries and why this train is so important. We are meeting people where they are and bringing the library to them,” said Peter Coyl, library director and CEO of the Sacramento Public Library.    

SacRT issued a special thank you to Lamar Transit Advertising for its contribution by providing the printing and installation of the interior artwork.