Books on Wheels Story and Photos by Jeannie Stone
Bookmobile Coordinator Debbie Slone, left and Jackie Blaney prepare to shelve book returns in the Pope County Bookmobile.
“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.” ~ Mark Twain
Between 125 and 200 persons in Pope County utilize the services of the bookmobile each month, a rolling, ever-rotating library of 2,000 books of every description. If it weren’t for the 12½ ton truck, these patrons would not be able to enjoy the pleasure of reading. And the folks in Pope County support reading. “Everyone is happy to see us coming,” bookmobile coordinator Debbie Slone said. The new bookmobile, purchased over a year ago, has become an important link from the main library branch in Russellville to surrounding communities, nursing homes and several elementary schools which have no libraries of their own. In essence, the bookmobile serves as a mobile branch, traveling 100 miles each month. Senator Sharon Trusty and Judge Jim Ed Gibson were the visionaries in securing state funds to cover the $130,000 cost of the new van. The bookmobile replaced another older vehicle which had been fashioned from a tool truck. “The people in Pope County ought to be real proud,” Jackie Blaney, inter-library loan director said. Not many counties can afford a new van like ours.” The Bookmobile features backup cameras and screen, a driver’s seat capable of swiveling around to face a check-out counter, a built in table for a laptop computer which links information from the main library, a wheelchair lift, slanted shelves for the books, a sky light, and built in seating for children. While many libraries around the nation are cutting services and reducing operating hours, the Pope county library posted record numbers last year. According to head librarian Judy Mays, the figures for the first four months in 2008 showed a swell in patronage compared to the same months a year ago. The number of patrons increased by 1,500; checkouts increased by 6,000 items.
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August 2008