Saturday, February 25, 2012

The Tale Of The Book Mobile

 

I asked the elementary school kids I visit each week if they knew what a book mobile was.  A second grader said sure, and pointed to one hanging from the ceiling in one corner of their classroom.  I realized then that children today may not know the rich history behind the book mobile.

In 1887, Mrs. C. P. Barnes of Louisville, Kentucky created the Traveling Book Project for a local reading group called the Monday Afternoon Club.  Club members in towns and villages who had no access to a library would receive books in wooden crates for their reading pleasure.  Once read, the books would then be shipped back to Mrs. Barnes for redistribution.



Soon, other people around the country thought of ways to put books into the hands of children everywhere.  The era of the Book Mobile was born.  Throughout the year lucky children could now line up when the book mobile came to town and be able to select a book of their very own to read.  Many times this was the only way a child could discover the magical worlds created by books.



There will always be a need for the book mobile program.  Some places simply don't have the access to public libraries, and sometimes the people who live in these places don't have a car to get to a library even if there was one available.



  
But I am finding that the human spirit can never be held down for long.  People always seem to find a way around obstacles in their path between themselves and their books. 



With the federal funding being pulled from the Reading Is Fundamental program, there is an increased risk that many children may no longer have access to books.  Encouraged by others still willing to make books available to readers of all ages, I helped create the Reading For Kicks program at my TaeKwonDo school.  For the elementary schools I visit, those children will no longer have to worry about whether they will still receive free books each year.  It is a program near and dear to my heart as I share my love for books with others.




Book mobiles have come a long way since Mrs. Barnes' time, and I think she would be amazed by today's way of delivering books.  I'm not sure if she originated the idea of the book mobile but she certainly had the passion and the initiative to go where others had not gone before.




Even in this digital age readers can find access to the internet down on the corner when the book mobile pulls into town.  No matter the method, the link between a child and their books will never be broken.  And as for the book mobile hanging in that one classroom?  Maybe they need to be a little more creative...




15 comments:

  1. We live in the country and my kids were always ready for the bookmobile to come around. We used to have to go to the little general store to meet it. Memories, Donna!

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  2. This is a fascinating story, Donna...thanks!

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    1. Thanks, Jarm, for stopping by and you're welcome! I'm glad you liked it...come back any time!

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  3. Interesting story. Thanks for sharing it.

    I stopped by to check out your blog and say hi. I'm also participating in the A to Z challenge. Look forward to seeing what you blog about in April.

    Susanne
    PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER

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    1. Well hi, Susanne! Thanks for stopping by! Yeah, I'm working out the details of my "theme" and hope I am able to complete the challenge. This is my first year attempting it and since I post daily, THAT won't be too much of a challenge but trying to stay within my theme might! Lol

      Hope you have a relaxing weekend and come back any time!

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  4. Great Post Donna. I am wondering if you have ever read my posts regarding the children of Laos....here are a couple.. http://thepatientdreamer.com/2011/12/24/books-for-children-thanks-to-big-brother-mouse/

    and here.... http://thepatientdreamer.com/2012/01/07/as-promised-here-is-my-picture-book-party/
    thought you might be interested.

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    1. Thanks, Diane, for stopping by! Yes, I had read some of your posts about the children of Laos but not the interview with Big Brother Mouse creator...thanks for giving me that link! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend and come back any time!

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  5. I always lived in town and usually near the library. But I envied the kids who used the bookmobile. Why did I think it would be better than the library? I never knew the history behind the bookmobile. Thanks.

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    1. I'm not sure if Mrs. Barnes created the "first" book mobile but her story was the oldest record I could find in my research today. Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  6. I almost forgot about the book mobile! Man, I miss the days when it would come. I loved that thing. Loved the smell of books and finding something new to read. Glad you posted this. Very fun and interesting. :)

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    1. I was always a wee bit envious when I heard about other people getting to have a book mobile come to their town and my town never received a visit. It's kind of like knowing the ice cream truck is just down the street and you're not allowed to go check it out...lol...

      Thanks, Leigh, for stopping by and come back any time!

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  7. I never experienced a Book Mobile myself - I grew up in NYC and went to the nearby public library - but what a wonderful service it is, wherever it is and in whatever forms!

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    1. For some reason, Susanna, my reply from last night didn't save so here I am, trying again...lol

      I think this world needs the "book mobile" now more than ever...as a simple reminder that a person doesn't need "mind altering drugs" in order to travel to the "mind altering" world within the pages of a book!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  8. I have fond memories of the bookmobile that made the long boring summers of my childhood bearable.

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    1. My mother always had a list of summer chores to do that was longer than the days themselves...lol...so I counted the days until she said it was okay to go to the library. What a wonderful way to escape the boredom of every day life with a trip through the pages of a good book!

      Thanks, Stephen, for stopping by and come back any time!

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