Cook County Sheriff's Office transforms prison transport bus into mobile library for children

Books Cook County Sheriff's Office transforms prison transport bus into mobile library for children The Cook County Sheriff's Office transformed a prison transport bus into a mobile library for children, including Chicago Public Schools students. WLS By Karen Jordan Wednesday, November 11, 2026 12:53AM Share Follow ABC7 on Google COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) -- A former prisoner transport bus has been transformed into a mobile library, bringing thousands of books to children in Cook County communities with limited access to reading resources. The Cook County Sheriff's Office Book Bus visits Carter G. Woodson Elementary School in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood every two weeks, giving preschoolers and other students an opportunity to climb aboard and choose books to take home. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch The school does not have a library and was the first to receive visits from the mobile program when it launched a year ago. The bus now serves 60 schools, with another 60 on a waiting list. Danielle Mosley of Chicago Public Schools said the program helps address a shortage of school libraries. "A lot of our schools don't have libraries anymore due to funding; so we wanted to make sure kids have access to literacy across the board," Mosley said. Woodson Principal Tamara Littlejohn said the opportunity for students to select books, read with their families and return for new ones has made a significant difference. SEE ALSO: ABC7 gets sneak peek at new Chicago Public Library branch on Obama Presidential Center campus "Literacy is something that we pride ourselves on here at Woodson and having an opportunity for students to have a mobile book bus where they can read, enjoy with their families, come back and get a new book has absolutely been a game changer for us," Littlejohn said. The idea for the program came from Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, an avid reader who wanted to help more children experience the benefits of reading. Chicago-area weather forecast this week could include 1st snowfall of season 2 hours ago Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, cut off his ankle monitor, DOJ says Round Lake mother, longtime green card holder, released on bond after 15 months in ICE custody 1 hour ago "We're losing all of the amazing things that come from it, for people to use their imaginations as they visualize scenes in a book and things like that," Dart said. The program has collected more than 30,000 donated books. The department continues to evaluate where the need is greatest as it considers expanding its reach. Dart said the initiative also provides a way to give back to communities without placing an additional financial burden on taxpayers. "We get to engage with so many of the most amazing people around this county and without soaking the taxpayers. We said what's one way to add something really positive?" Dart said. Beyond promoting literacy, the book bus gives children an opportunity to interact with the men and women who serve their communities in a different setting. Cook County police Officer Raul Garcia said those encounters can help children see officers as people they can approach for help. "The children get to see us in a different capacity. They get to see us as a human, like, 'hey, I'm Raul, how can I help you?' Help them see a smile on their face and make a difference," Garcia said. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics EDUCATION COOK COUNTY BOOKS COOK COUNTY SHERIFF CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich releases new prison memoir Sarah J. Maas' new 'ACOTAR' book is here: How to read all her books in order Chicago architect Alicia Ponce uplifts Latina architects Princess Diana's brother claims King Charles III was 'giddily elated' after her death Watch Live ON NOW Weather forecast this week could include 1st snowfall of season 2 hours ago Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, cut off his ankle monitor, DOJ says Suburban mother released on bond after 15 months in ICE custody 1 hour ago Secret Service offers guidance aimed at preventing workplace violence 32 minutes ago New testing finds Legionella concerns in IL town's water investigation 1 hour ago Ex-cop convicted of killing MA woman to keep her quiet about abuse Man escapes from police custody at NW Indiana hospital: police 2 hours ago Actors talk filming 'Christmas at the Zoo' at Brookfield Zoo Chicago 1 hour ago