Mobile libraries, often known as bookmobiles, are vehicles that have been created to offer library services to those who, owing to physical, financial, or geographic limitations, are unable to access a standard library. They are typically run by public libraries and provide the same services as a standard library, such as book lending, internet access, and participation in library programs.
Invented in the early 1900s by a librarian in Maryland named Mary Lemist Titcomb, bookmobiles have been around for more than a century. She created a horse-drawn wagon that could transport books to people in these locations after seeing the need to offer library services to rural communities. The concept gained traction, and bookmobiles are now a common method of providing library services to underserved areas.
In the United States today, there are hundreds of bookmobiles. Over 500 bookmobiles are currently in use nationwide, according to the American Library Association. These bookmobiles offer a diverse range of programs and services to fulfill the needs of their consumers and serve a wide range of communities, from rural locations to metropolitan neighborhoods.
Reaching out to populations who do not have simple access to a typical library is the major goal of a library on wheels. These villages are frequently found in remote places where transportation might be difficult. No matter where they are located or what their financial situation is, people can access library services through bookmobiles. In conclusion, bookmobiles continue to be crucial in providing library services to underprivileged areas all throughout the country. They provide a variety of activities and services to satisfy the requirements of their clients, as well as a convenient and accessible means for people to obtain books and other library items. Although bookmobile operations may have evolved over time, their fundamental goal has remained the same: to make library services accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial situation.