Arizona State students hope to turn food truck into mobile library
Feb 4, 2014, 5:00 AM | Updated: 5:00 am
PHOENIX — Three Arizona State University students hope to turn a truck that once served burgers or tacos into another source of nourishment.
“On our truck we want to see everything from the latest e-reader technology to laptop computers to iPads, just make sure kids are getting exposure to all types of technology,” said ASU senior Alex Miller.
Miller and fellow Barrett Honors students Elijah Allan and Jasmine Clarke-Telfer came up with the idea for what they call a BiblioTrucka after doing some research.
“Of the charter schools in the downtown or south Phoenix areas, 44 percent are currently operating without a library. That was a shock to us.”
The students wanted to do something and came up with a mobile library, but the traditional bookmobile model proved too expensive so they are focused on getting a used food truck that should run between $6,000 and $10,000.
“We want it to be a very open space so one of the things we’ve envisioned is cutting out one side of the truck to make a roll up door so that wherever we’re parked we can immediately roll that up and invite community members into our space,” said Miller.
The students are applying for grants in hopes of coming up with the cash to buy a truck and they’re also looking for an expert to help retrofit the vehicle.
To read more about their concept, click here.
