It’s a beautiful day in the Robberson neighborhood just about any day, but Yesenia and Tony Martinez will tell you that Wednesdays are a little extra special. That’s because on Wednesdays from 4:25 until 5 p.m., a six-wheeled, multi-ton, you-can’t-miss-it, white truck with swirls of green rolls down the street; emblazened on both sides with “The Mobile Library.”
The Mobile Library, or “the book mobile,” as us older folks may fondly recall it, is no stranger to the streets. The Springfield-Greene County library on wheels is in its 70th year of running services according to Allison Eckert, the library’s outreach manager.
“The proposal for the first book mobile surfaced in 1946, in 1948 we began running services,” she says, “The Mobile Library we have now was put into service on July 6, 2011; the Robberson neighborhood stop started in December 2011.”
Eckert says an average of 1,450 people visit The Mobile Library per month, checking out an average of 8,700 items per month.
Cruising the streets of Springfield, The Mobile Library is on the road four days a week and makes 26 public stops, Yesenia and Tony are glad that the Robberson stop at 2350 N. Taylor Avenue (on the east side of Robberson Community School), is one of them.
“I like coming here,” Yesenia says, “You can find the things you like to read and watch.” Due to work schedules and life demands, the Martinez family isn’t able to get to the brick and mortar libraries. Patron Anja Williams also chimes in, “We don’t have a car, so this is much easier for us. We come every week.”
Mr. Rob and Ms. Mary, The Mobile Library outreach assistants, enjoy seeing and getting to know their patron friends.
“Tell us stories. It’s all about the stories,” says Mr. Rob.
With a gleam in his eye, you can tell that he’s not only referring to books and resources, but also the people he’s come to know and care about in his 18 years behind the wheel. After thoughtful reflection, Mr. Rob adds, “We see a lot of moms, and that’s great, but I like seeing dads too. I’d like to encourage the dads to come out more often.”
At The Mobile Library. you can fill out an application and get your library card, check out books, DVDs, and CDs, request hotspots and toys, pick up and turn in voter registration forms, and sign up for the summer reading program, among other services. The summer reading program “Libraries Rock” is for all ages and runs through Aug. 4.
The complete list of The Mobile Library scheduled stops can be found on the website thelibrary.org under the “Library Services” tab.
“We’re here to help,” Ms. Mary says, “Come on in and check us out!”
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