Bookmobiles to Library to Go

The Catawba County Library’s bookmobile service made its first trip on February 18, 1938. The bookmobile was a school bus refurbished by the American Legion Auxiliary and books were supplied by the North Carolina Library Commission. During the 52 years the library offered the service, there were at least 5 other bookmobiles and 4 traveling librarians. The service was on the road 19 days out of the month and covered the whole county, meeting people at designated stops including the Catawba County Prison.

The bookmobile service was designed with the purpose of opening the library to the public, to get as many books in as many hands as possible. This was made possible by financial support from county commissioners, the Works Progress Administration, and the American Auxiliary Legion, and book donations from the community and the state library. In the 1930s, the bookmobile provided 10,000 books and drove just under 1,000 miles a month. While the bookmobile changed size and capacity over the years, it maintained its travels and deliveries throughout its history. The bookmobile service officially ended in 1989 after the library director at the time refocused his commitment to serving residents by opening branch locations throughout the county.

In 2018, the library introduced the next generation of library service, the Library to Go. The Library to Go is a state-of-the-art traveling exploration station that moves beyond the library’s walls and meets children and adults throughout our community, expanding access to empowering resources and programs in the areas that need them the most. Complete

with bookshelves, work tables, technologies, lounging spaces, play and learning areas, the Library to Go is a full, mobile library.

People can enjoy traditional library resources like books and computer access, and participate in special programs, often in an openair environment. Plus, visitors can sign up for a library card and check out materials from the Library to Go. This mobile service visits schools, community groups and agencies, and festivals.

The library is excited about bringing the power of the library to meet people where they are. For more information on the Library to Go’s resources or to inquire about getting on the schedule,please visit www.catawbacountync. gov/county-services/library/ library-to-go or call 828-4658665. Please note that our priorities are underserved locations, non-profit agencies, and community events.