Library's Bookmobile Celebrating First Anniversary of Neighborhood Access

LIBRARY’S BOOKMOBILE CELEBRATING FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS

RAPID CITY, SD--It’s been almost a year since the bright, multi-colored Rapid City Public Library Bookmobile took to the streets of Rapid City, taking thousands of materials to neighborhoods, businesses, smaller communities, and special events.

            And what a year it has been!

            More than 60 people turned out last May 21 for ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the long-awaited bookmobile. In the past year, the bookmobile has made 314 scheduled visits, checked out 3,760 materials, and welcomed 7,428 visitors.

              In reflecting on the bookmobile’s first year, library director Terri Davis said, “It’s been gratifying to see the community embrace the bookmobile and the idea of neighborhood access to library resources.  In addition to the current use of the bookmobile, so many people mention the nostalgia factor, remembering having a bookmobile when they were kids.”

              The bookmobile’s appearance in Rapid City last May culminated years of vision and dedicated efforts by library officials, board members, supporters, and staff. The brightly-colored vehicle houses more than 2,000 items - from books and games to movies and puzzles - as well as offering various services from issuing library cards, checking out materials, and troubleshooting technology, to providing reference and notary services.  The bookmobile is wheelchair-accessible, includes an area to return items, an area to sit and browse through a book or two, and a checkout area.  There is also an outdoor screen available to watch documentaries, learn about upcoming library programs and maybe catch a children’s movie.

             Senior librarian Sam Slocum, who supervises the bookmobile team, says the past year of visits expands the library’s outreach to other communities and audiences that otherwise likely would not get to the library for services.  She says the numerous library services and thousands of items offered by the bookmobile enhance the quality of life for community and area residents.

            “We’re always eager to hear from the community about where the bookmobile should visit,” said Slocum. “If your organization is interested in hosting a stop for your neighborhood, you can submit a suggestion through the form on our website.”

            The bookmobile provides library services at the Black Hills Farmers Market, Family Food Truck Night, Westhills Village, Woyatan Lutheran Church, St. Martin’s Village, Wellfully, YFS Head Start, Children’s House Montessori, Liberty Center YMCA in Box Elder, and Johnson Siding.

            There are no special plans to celebrate the first year of the bookmobile in Rapid City, however Davis and Slocum agree that scheduled visits to Westhills Village, Family Connections Center, Children’s House Montessori and Wellfully this week are perhaps a fitting way to observe the bookmobile’s anniversary.

           The Rapid City Public Library has been serving Rapid City since 1879.