Community Events
Book deserts initiative
Pop-up distributions bring free books to neighborhoods with limited access to bookstores. Each selection is thoughtfully curated to reflect and celebrate the community it serves.
On the Road
SpeakEasy Bookmobiles
Delivering new free books to throughout New York City and beyond!
From plazas in the Bronx and Queens to public housing developments in Brooklyn and street fairs throughout Manhattan, House of SpeakEasy’s Bookmobiles bring new free books to communities throughout New York City and beyond.
We launched the first SpeakEasy Bookmobile in 2017 in response to the proliferation of book deserts, where access to books is limited or nonexistent. The initiative carries forward the work of pioneering librarian Mary Titcomb, who created one of the first bookmobiles in 1904.
Today, House of SpeakEasy has two modified box trucks with built in shelving, and a low speed electric vehicle, all bringing thoughtfully curated selections of books for readers of all ages.
We partner with community boards and organizations to select titles that reflect and celebrate each of the communities we serve. From plazas in the Bronx and Queens to public housing developments in Brooklyn and street fairs throughout Manhattan, the Bookmobile brings books directly to New Yorkers.
2025-2026
5
Boroughs Served
53
Outings
15,000+
New Free Books Distributed
Book Ownership Is a Right, Not a Privilege.
The Bookmobile travels to neighborhoods with limited access to bookstores and libraries, meeting readers where they live.
Bring the Bookmobile to your community
More than a truck full of books
The Bookmobile is a vehicle for literacy, community, and joy — showing up wherever books are needed most.
Cultural partnerships
Festivals and block parties
From the Brooklyn Book Festival to NYC Greenmarkets and NYC DOT Open Streets, the Bookmobile partners with cultural institutions to bring authors and free books to public events citywide.
Education
Back-to-school programs
In partnership with the NYC Housing Authority and the NYC Department of Education, the Bookmobile distributes books at housing developments and schools, helping ensure that every child starts the year with books of their own.
What People Are Saying
“Being able to own books and build at-home libraries are key steps in improving literacy skills. It's been amazing to see the joy on children's faces as they receive new books, and we share in that joy.”
“House of SpeakEasy shared its amazing services with constituents in my district, specifically those who live in public housing. I was grateful to see them in action and have them bring libraries directly to communities. The work they do is vital!”
“People have a hunger to keep reading, to keep learning and informing themselves. To bring that diversity in literature, to see that reading should not be a privilege—we want to bring those resources to as many people as possible, and the SpeakEasy Bookmobile has been invaluable in expanding access to resources to our neighbors in NYCHA and throughout the community.”
“That beautiful truck contributed to a very special experience for young people who came through to select their books. I've never seen so much diversity in books.”
“Every book we give away is a door we open.”
Your donation puts brand-new books directly into the hands of children and families in NYC's book deserts.