A bookmobile is a library on wheels. Matthews Specialty Vehicles has been the leading bookmobile manufacturer since 1992. Matthews builds premium, custom built vehicles designed to take public, county, and school library systems all around the world. From kidmobiles to dual purpose bookmobile/mobile computer labs, MSV remains committed to bringing the best quality, service and technology to our customers. From book-haulers to cut-away styles, to large coaches, a Matthews bookmobile will provide you with a quality bookmobile specifically designed to meet your unique needs.
Our bookmobile models can be equipped with a myriad of options to satisfy the needs of any library and/or reading program. Built-in satellite communication technology gives patrons access to the internet, gives staff members the ability to link-up, in real time, to their computerized catalog and more. We offer:
• Unique, state-of-the-art cabinetry and shelving system, featuring our pin-and-cam shelf locking system.
• Our very own, custom, aluminum shelving and book carts. All shelving styles are built at a 15 degree tilt to prevent movement while in transit.
• Several wheelchair lift options are available; from a step-well lift, to an underbody lift to lifts built behind hinged shelving, we are sure to accommodate all of your ADA needs.
• We can install a built-in microwave, built-in refrigerator and more.
• A custom designed bookmobile also include exterior options such as, an awning, a back-camera, exterior built-in TV’s, storage and more! Alpha numeric message display boards can be located on the interior and exterior to bring more attention to your program.
Bookmobile Series 500
The Matthews Specialty Vehicles Series 500 book-hauler is built on a Freightliner Sprinter Van. It is available in lengths of 16 to 21 feet. The Sprinter Van is equipped with the innovative Mercedes-Benz CDI Diesel engine. The interior can be customized to reach a capacity of 500 to 1,500 volumes. Shelving will be aluminum.
Bookmobile Series 1000
The Matthews Specialty Vehicles Series 1000 bookmobile is available on a Ford chassis. This vehicle can be constructed with an interior load space of 12 to 17 feet and it is 96 inches wide. Book capacity is approximately 1,500 to 2,800 volumes. This model comes with a gas or diesel engine and is equipped with an all aluminum body. Shelving will be aluminum.
Bookmobile Series 1000-102
The Matthews Specialty Vehicles Series 1000-102W bookmobile is available on the International 3200 chassis with an interior load space of 20 to 30 feet and is 102 inches wide. Book capacity is approximately 1,500 to 2,800 volumes. This model comes with a diesel engine and is equipped with a custom built, heavy-duty, all aluminum body. Shelving will be aluminum, oak, or maple depending upon customer preference.
Bookmobile Series 2000
The Matthews Specialty Vehicles Series 2000 Step-Van style bookmobile is available in lengths from 18 to 36 feet. Book capacity is approximately 1,500 to 3,500 volumes. It is available on the Freightliner MT Series chassis with a variety of different body manufacturers. This chassis is available with a gasoline, diesel, or hybrid diesel/electric engine. Shelving will be aluminum, oak, or maple depending upon customer preference.
Bookmobile Series 4000
The Matthews Specialty Vehicles Series 4000 model is a front engine transit style bookmobile equipped with a Cummins diesel engine. Available horsepower ranges from 220 to 260 HP. The Series 4000 model is available in lengths from 28 to 40 feet and is 96 inches wide. To accommodate all, this vehicle may also be equipped with headroom options of 78” or 86”. Thomas Built Buses manufactures both the body and the chassis. Book capacity is approximately 2,500 to 6,000 depending on component option and size. Shelving will be aluminum, oak, or maple depending upon customer preference.
Bookmobile Series 4000-102
The Matthews Specialty Vehicles Series 4000-102 bookmobile is a front engine transit style vehicle equipped with a Cummins diesel engine. Available horsepower ranges from 220 to 260 HP. The Series 4000-102 model is 102 inches wide, available in lengths from 27 to 40 feet, and has 82.5” of available headroom. Thomas Built Buses manufactures the chassis and the body is a custom built, heavy-duty aluminum body. Book capacity is approximately 2,500 to 6,000 depending on component option and size. Slide-outs are available on this model!
Bookmobile Series 5000
The Matthews Specialty Vehicles Series 5000 bookmobile is our most heavy-duty model. Thomas Built Buses manufactures the body and the chassis. This 96 inch wide, heavy-duty, rear engine model is available in lengths of 32 to 40 feet, has headroom options of 78” and 86”, and comes equipped with a Cummins engine. A compressed natural gas (CNG) engine is also available with this model. Shelving will be aluminum, oak, or maple depending upon customer preference.
Bookmobile Series 5000-102
The Matthews Specialty Vehicles Series 5000-102 bookmobile is our most heavy-duty model. This heavy-duty rear engine unit has a custom built 102 inch wide aluminum body and is available is lengths of 32 to 45 feet with an available headroom of 82.5 inches. Freightliner manufactures the chassis and the body is a custom built, heavy-duty aluminum body. This series is equipped with a Cummins diesel engine. Shelving will be aluminum, oak, or maple depending upon customer preference. Slide-outs are available on this model!
Bookmobile Series 6000
The Matthews Specialty Vehicle Series 6000 Trailer bookmobile is available in a variety of lengths from 16 to 40 feet with 86 inches of available headroom. Slide-outs are available on this model!