Smack dab in the middle of National Library Week is the first annual National Bookmobile Day. The Seattle Public Library is celebrating by bringing our oldest bookmobile in for the afternoon and parking it right outside our Central Library. SPL’s Mobile Services provides access to library resources for people who cannot reach the library because of age, disability, or illness. Many folks will be surprised to learn that we’ve been at it for over 60 years.
Over the course of those years, the look of our service has changed (from parking big walk-on bookmobiles in neighborhoods without a library of their own to a fleet of smaller vehicles reaching out to the homebound, kids in childcare centers and seniors in retirement homes), but the pleasure is the same.
What is it like to bring the library to the people? For a glimpse into the always wonderful, sometimes hilarious world of the library on wheels, check out these reads:
The Uncommon Reader, by Alan Bennett: When her incorrigible corgis go astray, the Queen of England happens upon a mobile library parked outside the palace. Wanting to be polite, she checks out a book and rediscovers the pleasure of reading. She soon starts to vex her staff with suspicious unpredictable behavior, difficult questions and an even more disturbing desire to write.
The Camel Bookmobile, by Masha Hamilton: An inspiring and beautifully written novelization of the true story of the camel bookmobile project in rural Kenya. Fiona Sweeney, stuck in an unfulfilling job in a Brooklyn library, snatches the opportunity to lead the unusual camel bookmobile project – bringing literacy to nomadic peoples of rural Kenya. In a world where basic needs like food, water and shelter are of more immediate concern, her presence is a challenge to tribal elders while it emboldens the women and children of the village. A novel about the consequences and rewards of taking risks and the ability of literature to cross cultural divides.
The Case of the Missing Books, by Ian Sansom: Join Israel Armstrong, unlikely sleuth and the most recent and equally unlikely new hire to the Tumdrum Library of North Ireland. Where the locals assume if you’re not Catholic you’re Protestant. Israel (Jewish, vegetarian and semi-misanthropic) finds the library closed and his position converted to driver of the antique bookmobile. What’s more, the books have all gone missing and he cannot resign his post until they’re found. The Case of the Missing Books is the first in a humorous series introducing a hero for fans of bookmobiles everywhere.
I am so lucky to get to work in a place that feels like a party every time we roll in; where every day is a celebration of learning, connecting and books. Today, on National Bookmobile Day, I hope you all celebrate with us. And if you’re lucky enough to have had a bookmobile in your life, please share your bookmobile stories below. ~ Carrie F.
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