Submitted by: Marjorie McPeak, Literacy Chair
There are many efforts and activities which promote Literacy and Reading, one of which is not as obvious. That is the Bookmobiles which at one time were in service in many more parts of our country than currently, but because of issues such as budgets and staffing, are now fewer in number.
Bookmobiles are still in use in several Minnesota Library Systems, but the largest fleet of “mobile libraries” is in the state of Kentucky where 75 counties have various sized and equipped vehicles on the road regularly.
Traditionally Bookmobile service is provided in areas where few libraries exist in reasonable driving distances for citizens, where there is little public transportation, and where community central stops are available. The vehicles operate on a specific schedule with corresponding loan periods. Specific requests for titles and information can be filled just as they would be in a Community Library.
Bookmobiles serve the needs of all ages and are particularly important for children during the summer so that “reading momentum” has not been lost when they return to school in the Fall. At many stops the arrival of the Bookmobile creates a social experience for those who gather. Bookmobile Service remains popular even in our “Internet Age”. I know, because although I use several city libraries, the Arrowhead Library System Bookmobile is my primary Library!
Happy 2018 to all 5580 Rotary Clubs, and why not make a Literacy Project a priority in the coming year.