SEPTA unveils rail station ‘library’
Partnered with the Free Library of Philadelphia and Dunkin' Donuts to offer throughout the month of April what is believed to be the nation's first virtual library at a train station. Riders can access books and podcasts by scanning QR codes or logging on to the Free Library's website.
Commuters can access books and podcasts via QR codes on a platform at SEPTA's Suburban Station. Photo courtesy of SEPTA.Photo courtesy SEPTA.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) partnered with the Free Library of Philadelphia and Dunkin' Donuts to offer what is believed to be the nation's first virtual library at a train station throughout the month of April. Passengers will only have to make one stop to 'enrich their ride': SEPTA's Suburban Station.
On April 2, the virtual library was unveiled on 76 advertising boards on Suburban Station's platforms. The “library" — which is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts — features books and podcasts available for download from the Free Library. SEPTA riders can access the books and podcasts by scanning QR codes or logging on to the Free Library's website. The virtual library at Suburban Station coincides with National Library Week, held from April 14 to 20.
"We are excited to create awareness for the Free Library's digital collection by offering easy access to our customers via the virtual library," said SEPTA GM Joseph M. Casey. "The train or bus, especially on longer trips, can provide the perfect setting for sitting down with a book for an extended period of time. And the digital library allows commuters to access a great number of books on the go."
The virtual library at Suburban Station is just a small sample of the Free Library's complete digital collection.
"The Free Library's vast digital resources include access to more than 80,000 ebooks, 8,000 audiobooks and 1,000 author podcasts," said Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director of the Free Library. " We are committed to making as many of our incredible resources available online at freelibrary.org as possible, so that our customers can access great materials wherever they are — including on their daily commutes."
The virtual library will also include a QR code for commuters to download the Dunkin' Donuts app for mobile payments and local offers.
In addition to the virtual library, SEPTA and its partners will recognize National Library Week and the perfect combination of reading while commuting by sponsoring the "What are you reading?" contest. Through April 16, the public can submit the titles of the books they are currently enjoying to SEPTA's Facebook page and the @SEPTA_Social Twitter feed using #enrichyourride. Three entries will be selected at random to win various prizes, including a monthly SEPTA pass, Dunkin' Donuts gift pack and tickets to local library events.
The "What are you reading?" contest is designed to start a social media "conversation" about what titles are trending with SEPTA customers and to recommend selections for riders who are looking for new books.
The public will be also able to explore the Free Library's full digital offerings on April 16 when the Techmobile — a "hot spot on wheels" — is stationed outside of SEPTA's city headquarters. Library staff will help the public register for library cards, download digital materials and learn more about the Free Library's online offerings.
For more information about the virtual library at Suburban Station, National Libraries Week and the Free Library, click here. For more information about the "What are you reading?" contest and SEPTA, click here.
RELATED ARTICLE: Check out, "Peapod.com opens digital rail station grocery stores."
More Rail
Metra Begins Drone Pilot Project to Boost Safety and Security
The project is funded through a $620,000 grant from FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program, which provides transit agencies with funding for projects intended to protect critical transportation infrastructure and the traveling public.
Read More →
Austin Transit Partnership Selects Stadler to Manufacture Light Rail Vehicles
The award marks the conclusion of a series of major procurements over 18 months, as outlined in ATP’s delivery plan, and keeps Austin Light Rail on track.
Read More →
The Heart Behind Austin's Light Rail
Why Austin Transit Partnership's Operations and Maintenance Facility could become the most important building in the city's first light rail system.
Read More →
June LA Metro Ridership Surges 2 Million Year Over Year
Total June ridership increased for both weekdays and weekends. Weekday ridership was 953,820, which grew 8.4% from June 2025; Saturdays increased nearly 13% year-over-year to 708,826; and Sundays increased 7.7% to 611,534 from June 2025, according to LA Metro.
Read More →
Keolis and SNCF Voyageurs Bring Rail Expertise to California High-Speed Rail
The CDA establishes a collaborative predevelopment partnership intended to evaluate future delivery opportunities through public-private partnership models.
Read More →
Stadler Marks 10 Years in the U.S. with Salt Lake City Expansion
The expansion is expected to create up to 300 new local jobs, some of which are youth apprenticeships, said Stadler officials.
Read More →
MBTA Selects STV to Support Battery-Electric Locomotive Procurement
The firm's seven-year contract includes end-to-end support from bid review and selection through procurement, production, and testing.
Read More →
Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California
The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.
Read More →
California High-Speed Rail Advances Merced–Madera Construction Procurement
The procurement represents a major expansion of active high-speed rail construction.
Read More →
Amtrak Finalizes Pre-Development Agreement for Penn Station Overhaul
The agreement advances plans for a $7 billion to $8 billion transformation of New York's busiest transit hub, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2027.
Read More →