Nissan Donates Two Vehicles to the Iwate Mobile Library Project

Nissan donated two base model vehicles to serve as mobile libraries for the Iwate Mobile Library Project, operated by the nonprofit Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA).

The mobile libraries, modified versions of the Nissan Atlas, were loaded with books and periodically traveled to temporary housing complexes in Rikuzentakata, Ofunato, Otsuchi and Yamada. Lending books to residents helped reconnect communities that were broken by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The traveling libraries offered a space for locals to gather and socialize over tea, and provided a bit of normalcy to life in temporary housing. The mobile libraries adopted the motto, “Reading, drinking tea and having fun.”

In 2016, SVA concluded its relief operations in Iwate Prefecture, and the vehicles were donated to local libraries.