The Library System proudly unveiled the arrival of their brand new Bookmobile – The Possibility Machine – on Sunday, April 8th at a special donor appreciation event held at the Manheim Township Public Library! Purchase of the new vehicle was made possible by the generous support of foundations, local businesses, Extra Give donations, the System Board, and individual contributions from the community at large. The funds of $165,000, acquired during the year-long Capital Campaign, will pay for the bookmobile, vehicle graphics, and special book carts. The campaign goal was reached in time for the March delivery date.
The new Bookmobile has been in production for the past several months and will replace the current bookmobile that has served Lancaster County residents for the past 17 years.
In 2016 the Bookmobile celebrated its 75th anniversary. During those many years, the Bookmobile provided library services to persons who have trouble accessing libraries. The acquisition of the new bookmobile will insure that this valuable service will continue and it will be delivered more efficiently. The new vehicle is a smaller, more-efficient model that has better fuel efficiency, as well as being more reliable with less downtime and maintenance costs.
Commissioner Dennis Stuckey was very pleased to learn that the capital campaign goal was met, “On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I thank all who donated towards the new Bookmobile. Congratulations to the Library System and Executive Director Bonnie Young for taking on the task of raising the funds. Well done!”
Ed Miller, Bookmobile and Special Services Manager for the Library System, is delighted with the expanded capabilities of the new Bookmobile. “The new design will allow the capability of taking our collection, which will be on book carts, inside of the facilities that we visit.” In the past, patrons would have to come aboard the Bookmobile, either climbing steps or riding a wheelchair lift, making for precarious situations for seniors and cramped storytimes for younger patrons.
Several guests recounted their memories of the bookmobile and the importance of having the service available to them!
