Have Books, Will Travel!
BY GAIL McNAIR
For many of us who grew up in rural America, bookmobiles were our first connection to libraries. The bookmobile idea is attributed to Mary Titcomb, who in 1905 believed that by going mobile, we could reach more people, make more friends, and share our love of books. Lincoln City Libraries (LCL) has a proud legacy of bookmobile service!
LCL Bookmobile service began in 1975. Over the past several years, bookmobile services have expanded to include books, computers, internet workstations, DVDs, and so much more. Often seniors experience mobility and transportation issues, so they depend upon bookmobiles for books and technology services. An 80-year-old Senior Center patron was encouraged to sign-up for his first Library Card. He checked out books and when he returned them, related that “he didn’t even know he liked to read.” He’s been a weekly patron ever since.
Bookmobile service is often the only opportunity for many young children and families to take advantage of library services due to economic challenges, location issues, and working parents. Bookmobile visits to daycare sites enable children to participate in the summer reading programs and avoid the “summer slide” — the loss of reading skills over the summer.
LCL’s Bookmobile is scheduled to be on-the-road 250 days in the year. LCL is expanding service by purchasing two vehicles to replace an aging, larger vehicle with mechanical issues. The smaller vehicles will be able to visit smaller sites, previously impossible to reach, almost double the sites visited, and provide consistent service to area citizens.
Bookmobile stops with on-board computer usage are critically important for patrons in areas without computers or internet access. These stops enable customers to check email, access job information, search the catalog, or explore personal interests.
These are just examples of how vital the LCL Bookmobile service is to ensuring equal access to our libraries, our educational system, technology, and community for each citizen of Lincoln and Lancaster County, especially those who are most in need and most vulnerable.
To learn more about the LCL Bookmobile schedule, visit lincolnlibraries.org/locations/lied-bookmobile/.
Gail McNair is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries and a contributing writer for 55+.