Mineola library bookmobile takes to the streets for love of reading

Posted 2/26/20

One measure of a thriving community is how well that community cares for the youngest and the oldest. Many factors join to provide that care. Among them is the very visible work of the Mineola Memorial Library staff making rounds in the bookmobile.

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Mineola library bookmobile takes to the streets for love of reading

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One measure of a thriving community is how well that community cares for the youngest and the oldest. Many factors join to provide that care. Among them is the very visible work of the Mineola Memorial Library staff making rounds in the bookmobile.

The quote “The road to knowledge begins with the turn of a page,” adorns each side of the colorfully-painted, 26-foot white van. According to librarian Mary Hurley, her predecessor Suzanne Moore selected the quote. It certainly captures the intent of the bookmobile. 

Twice per month the bookmobile makes visits to Lone Star Learning Academy and Autumn Winds Assisted Living. A monthly visit to Community Care Center of Mineola is also a regular stop. During summer months, Hurley adds stops to Mineola Primary and Elementary schools and the Addie McFarland Center.  

Hurley described the impact of bringing the library out into the community, “It is not just books. The service provides literacy, social and instructive service to the short and the tall, the young and the seasoned.” 

The value of the bookmobile’s service is evident in the youngsters’ faces as Hurley and co-worker Pam Hortman recently gathered the pre-K class at Lone Star for story time. 

“The bookmobile service is invaluable,” stated Lone Star teacher Kristen Craver. “It demonstrates interest in the library and fosters a love of books. The kids really look forward to it.” 

The wonderment of young faces is obvious motivation for Hurley and Hortman. 

The second stop on last week’s travels was Autumn Winds. The mechanics of the visit may have been different, as the librarians set up a book exchange in the lobby, but the effect was no less pronounced.  Regular customers approached and were greeted with hugs and smiles. “We really become attached to our patrons,” shared Hortman.  

Romances, mysteries and westerns appeared to be among the favorite genres at Autumn Winds. Wanda Sherman was among the happy customers at the lobby visit.

“It is so wonderful,” she offered.

A non-profit 501C organization, the Mineola Memorial Library is governed by a board of directors. Like many organizations in the city, the library has benefitted from the generosity of the Meredith Foundation. It was through foundation support that the purchase of the van was possible.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter commercial van is equipped with a manual aluminum ramp at the back and a side door. The interior houses preloaded mobile racks which are secured along the sides of the compartment and can be easily rolled down the ramp. The van has experienced no mechanical issues since its purchase and is housed in a specially-built garage on library property. 

Hurley was a volunteer at the library when the bookmobile initiative was begun but came to lead the effort when she was named librarian. She drives most of the bookmobile runs herself, and the arrival at a stop is executed with military precision. Once is is parked, she can have two racks of books rolled inside in a matter of minutes. 

The bookmobile is one of several programs run by the Mineola library. In addition to managing 27,000 books at their 6,400-square-foot building, the library serves as an internet hub and genealogical center.  Programs include story hours for pre-K and toddlers, an after-school program for grade schoolers (K-5), a Saturday crochet circle and a historical reading club.

There is plenty going on to keep the permanent staff of nine and a dozen volunteers busy. Hurley is continually adapting the content and activities of the library to meet community desires.  As an example, recent interest in cooking and healthy eating has led to expansion of those subjects in library holdings. 

Hurley’s message to the community is simple, “We’re here, come see us!”    

To the 90 children at Lone Star, the 77 residents at Autumn Winds and others in the community, the library comes to see them through the bookmobile.  The Mineola Memorial Library is not simply a place, but a living, breathing presence. Hurley encourages any group contemplating a bookmobile request to give her a call or drop by.