Sheriff Dart Rolls Out “Book Bus” to Bring Free Reading to Underserved Communities (Cook County, IL) – A former jail transport bus has found new life as a traveling library under a new initiative launched by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
The “Book Bus,” unveiled this week by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, is a mobile library designed to bring books directly to neighborhoods across the county—particularly in areas with limited access to traditional libraries.
“This is more than just a bus—it’s a vehicle for opportunity, imagination, and hope,” Dart said. “Books should never feel out of reach. Reimagining what a library can look like, we’re bringing stories, knowledge, and imagination straight into the neighborhoods that need them most.”
The once-gray transport bus has been transformed into a bright, inviting space thanks to Chicago Wrap, a local business that gave it a full interior and exterior makeover. Its colorful design and child-friendly atmosphere aim to make reading both accessible and exciting for children and families.
So far, the Book Bus has been stocked with more than 3,900 donated books, contributed by organizations including Kids Can Read, Books 4 Cause, and the Oak Lawn Library. Children who visit can sign up for free membership cards and borrow books without worrying about due dates or late fees—a deliberate move, the sheriff’s office said, to make reading a joy, not a burden.
Sean Heffner, owner of Chicago Wrap, said his team was proud to help make the project a reality. “We’re thrilled to have played a part in bringing the Book Bus to life,” Heffner said. “It’s an honor to support such a worthy endeavor, and I know the impact on young people who don’t always have books will be tremendous.”
The initiative is part of Sheriff Dart’s broader effort to expand the office’s role beyond traditional law enforcement and deepen connections with the community through educational and social programs.
Community groups and local organizations interested in hosting the Book Bus can contact the Sheriff’s Office at bookbus@ccsheriff.org.
Sheriff Dart Rolls Out “Book Bus” to Bring Free Reading to Underserved Communities
