NEWS

Mobile libraries Dewey and Dora roll through town to mark National Bookmobile Day

By Ashley Boyd Staff Writer
Library Associate Addison Canevaro assists Myrtle Hubbard in the Tuscaloosa Public Library’s bookmobile. The bookmobile spent Wednesday morning at the Leroy McAbee Activity Center and that afternoon at the Jerry Belk Activity Center allowing people to check out books as part of National Bookmobile Day.

The Tuscaloosa Public Library’s two bookmobiles, Dewey and Dora, rolled through town Wednesday to mark the first National Bookmobile Day.

The inaugural National Book-

mobile Day was created to celebrate the role that bookmobiles play in fulfilling the mission of libraries. According to the American Association of Libraries, bookmobiles have been an integral part of library services in the U.S. for more than a century by providing access to information and technology and supply resources to people from all walks of life.

“National Bookmobile Day adds a level of legitimacy,” said Kelly Butler, who works with the Dewey bookmobile. “There are many people who don’t realize what we are, but those who use us really appreciate us.”

While bookmobiles make regular visits to area schools, apartments, community centers and day cares, Dewey and Dora scheduled visits to a number of new locations for National Bookmobile Day. Dewey, which is manned by Butler and Addison Canevaro and named after the Dewey Decimal System, stopped at the Leroy McAbee Activity Center and the Jerry Belk Activity Center. Cary Chappell and Tammy Adams with Dora, named after Dora the Explorer, stopped at New Dimensions Worship Center, Imagination Station and Merrill Gardens. Dora travels primarily to senior centers and day cares, and Dewey goes primarily to Tuscaloosa County schools and after-school programs.

According to the American Library Association, book-

mobiles provide library services to children, adults and special populations, including pre-school children and senior citizens. Both Dora and Dewey are handicapped-accessible.

“For some children, their parents can’t get to the library, so this goes on-site,” Chappell said. “You’d be surprised by how many people don’t drive but still read.”

Inside each bookmobile are books of all genres for adults and children, from inspirational to mystery to nonfiction. Bookmobiles also provide DVDs and coloring books. Visitors can use their library card to check out books, Butler said, and will not face any late charges with the bookmobile.

“We take requests all the time,” Chappell said. “We are responsible for developing a relationship with them. We know what they like to read.”

Some of the more popular requests, Butler said, include “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and books in the “Twilight” series. Requests for Hannah Montana are routine, he said.

“Last year was Harry Potter, but ‘Twilight’ remains popular. Other continued favorites include ‘Goosebumps’ and ‘Boxcar Children,’ ” Butler said.

The hopes for National Bookmobile Day, Butler said, are the same as any day the bookmobile goes out.

“When people need us, they seem to find out about us, but we are always working to increase our exposure. Schools and seniors know about us, but there are many who don’t.

“The whole process of claiming and taking a book home is a rewarding experience.”

To request a certain item or schedule a bookmobile visit, call 205-345-5820, ext. 251 or 205-799-4043. To check its scheduled stops, visit www.tuscaloosa-library.org/pages/bookmobile.html

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