Nebraska: Lincoln City Libraries will deploy new CNG bookmobile

“Natural gas is one of the cleanest fuels to burn,” said Beutler. “In the case of our new bookmobile, we have an agreement with Black Hills Energy that sets our fuel price at the equivalent of $1.49 per gallon for the next year. CNG is cleaner and cheaper, and those are important factors in demonstrating the value of our initial up-front investment over the life of the vehicle.”

It cost about $312,000 to manufacture and, according to Library Director Pat Leach, it is estimated that the additional investment will pay for itself in fuel savings in about four years. In addition to $50,000 from a federal energy grant, a $100,000 gift from the Lied Foundation and other private donations helped to fund books, an endowment, and other environmentally-friendly features such as interior and exterior LED lighting, carpet made from recycled materials and three skylights to allow for natural light in the cabin.

“The bookmobile provides individualized service to a diverse population,” said Leach. “Our customers will be very well served by the new Lied Bookmobile, and I think they will be delighted with all the new features.”

Source: City of Lincoln