Code Read, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting literacy by providing books to children in need, has announced a collaboration with custom automotive shop West Coast Customs to launch a custom bookmobile. The vehicle will bring free books directly to low-income communities in Los Angeles starting in 2025.
The partnership involves West Coast Customs transforming a standard vehicle into a mobile free bookstore designed to serve children of all ages. With a distinctive design and modern features, the Code Read Bookmobile aims to draw attention to the importance of reading and book access. It will travel to schools, community centers, and neighborhoods across Los Angeles, specifically targeting areas where literacy resources are limited.
"Code Read's mission has always been to break down barriers to literacy by making books accessible to children who need them most," said Mackenzie Robin Krestul, Founder and President of Code Read. "Partnering with West Coast Customs to create this incredible bookmobile will allow us to reach even more children and spark a love of reading in communities across Los Angeles."
Madelyn Krestul, age 16 and Code Read Senior Ambassador, expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential. "The bookmobile is an amazing way for us to reach more kids and communities than ever before. We're so excited for the new opportunities it brings for our programs," she said.
Beyond book distribution, the bookmobile will host reading events, storytelling sessions, and activities designed to engage young readers. Ryan Friedlinghaus, West Coast Customs Founder and CEO, noted the shop's commitment to community involvement. "We are happy to be in partnership with Code Read and creating this bookmobile is a great opportunity for West Coast Customs to be able to give back to our community and getting kids excited about reading," he said.
This initiative addresses a critical need in Los Angeles, where access to books can be uneven across communities. By bringing resources directly to underserved areas, the bookmobile seeks to empower children through literacy and foster a lifelong appreciation for reading. For more details on Code Read's programs, visit https://www.coderead.org. Information about West Coast Customs is available at https://www.westcoastcustoms.com.
The collaboration highlights how cross-sector partnerships can innovate solutions to social challenges. By leveraging West Coast Customs' expertise in vehicle customization, Code Read enhances its capacity to deliver books and literacy support, potentially serving as a model for similar efforts in other cities. The bookmobile's launch in 2025 is anticipated to expand Code Read's impact, building on its previous distribution of over 60,000 new books to schools, shelters, and underserved communities in Los Angeles.
