ICPL's Bookmobile is back from vacation, back on the road
After a few weeks off the streets for scheduled maintenance, the Bookmobile launched its winter/spring schedule on Monday.
The complete schedule, which runs through May 24, can be found online. It features stops at a variety of locations in Iowa City, including elementary schools and retirement communities.
"We are going to be at more
schools after classes are dismissed for the day," Shawna says.
Elementary schools on the schedule include Grant Wood, Lemme and Mark Twain.
"We also added another grocery store
stop: Hy-Vee on First Avenue from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday," Shawna says. "It's the perfect location for anyone running errands during their lunch break. Buy the ingredients you need for dinner and pick up a movie, too!"
Don't forget -- the Bookmobile is heated, so even though it's winter outside, inside the Bookmobile is warm and dry.
If you have a suggestion for future Bookmobile stops, contact Shawna.
What happens to the Bookmobile when winter strikes?
In order to assure safe Bookmobile services for community members and staff, the Library established severe weather guidelines to guide decisions in case of severe weather.
The Bookmobile may be off the road for part or all of the day when there are hazardous driving conditions such as low visibility, heavy rains, excessive wind gusts, and high wind warnings.
The Bookmobile will not operate on days when inclement weather would result in hazardous driving or service conditions, including any day the Iowa City Community School District cancels classes due to weather.
In the event of a Severe Weather Warning when the Bookmobile is on the road, Bookmobile operations cease and all patrons must exit the vehicle. The Bookmobile will either return to the Downtown parking facility or staff will secure the Bookmobile and seek shelter.
Schedule updates are posted on the Library’s webpage.
Visit the Bookmobile, receive a magnetic clip
Who doesn't like free things?
Even better, who doesn't like free things that are also practical?
Visit the Bookmobile for a FREE magnetic clip to hold your
important papers -- like the newest Bookmobile schedule! -- on your
refrigerator.
The clips are available on a first come first served basis while supplies last.
History lesson: "Bookmobiles" during the Great Depression
Smithsonian Magazine published a fascinating story in June about horse-riding librarians who delivered books to isolated rural communities during the Great Depression.
"The Pack Horse Library initiative, which sent librarians deep into Appalachia, was one of the New Deal's most unique plans," Eliza McGraw writes. "The project, as implemented by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), distributed reading materials to the people who lived in the craggy, 10,000-square-mile portion of eastern Kentucky."
While the initiative was part of the New Deal, it required support at the local level in order to be a success. Read more here.
