Books on the Bus connects transit riders with free reading material to enjoy during their commute, on their lunch break or anytime. Books for all ages and reading abilities are available including children’s books, graphic novels and fiction and non-fiction for adults. Books are located on 12 city busses as well as two mobile book carts located at the main terminal, Sorenson Transit Station.
This initiative is the first of its kind in Alberta and allows riders to build social connections and increase social engagement, which align with the FCSS Small Acts Matter campaign. Books on the Bus removes the barrier of access to books by making them readily available and free for everyone. This program has been well received in the community with over 10,000 books donated and distributed in Red Deer in the first year alone! Providing access to literacy materials is a poverty reduction strategy identified by the Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance (CAPRA).
Donations of books can be dropped off at collection bins at:
- Red Deer City Hall
- Collicutt Centre
- Dawe Centre
- Recreation Centre
- Sorensen Station
The program has recently been expanded to include the BOLT busses that serve Lacombe and Blackfalds. The drop-off locations for donations in those communities are;
Blackfalds: Public Library, Multi-Plex Arena, Abbey Centre
Lacombe: City Hall, Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex, Mary C. Moore Public Library
Partners in this program include; CAPRA, Lifelong Learning, Red Deer and District Family and Community Support Services, Red Deer Transit, COSMOS, Red Deer Public Library, Lacombe FCSS and Blackfalds FCSS.
Cash donations to support this program can be made to Lifelong Learning Council of Red Deer.
Special thanks to our partner organizations:
For more information, contact City of Red Deer Social Planning at 403-342-8100.
