American Ambassador Peter W. Bodde inaugurated the U.S. Embassy’s first ever mobile library, called the Book Bus, at Shivapuri Higher Secondary School in Maharajgunj

 The Book Bus will allow the U.S. Embassy to reach underserved remote communities in Nepal.  Mobile Internet access and tablet computers are included in the bus, which will give Book Bus visitors access to educational websites and help visitors to learn how to use the latest computer technology.  The tablets and computers will be charged using environmentally friendly solar panels located on the roof of the bus.  The Bus is stocked with reference, fiction and non-fiction books in addition to periodicals.

The Book Bus is an expansion of the U.S. Embassy’s seven American Corner libraries located throughout Nepal.  According to the press release of U.S. Embassy, these libraries serve as learning centers for their communities and provide valuable information resources for students and adults alike.  The American Corners also host guest speakers and special programs about the United States, as will the new Book Bus.

With the help of a partner organization, Quixote’s Cove, the Book Bus will travel throughout the country bringing unique programming and educational resources to communities across Nepal.  Through the Book Bus, books will also be donated to young readers in English and Nepali.   The goal is to inspire young people with a desire to read, to share American culture and to help people to improve their English language skills.