By Anthony Stanford –
The Aurora Public Library (APL) Bookmobile needs a parking space. Since relocating from the old library at Benton Street and Stolp Avenue in 2015, an agreement with The Support Services Companies has provided a space. However, in January 2019 that very generous agreement will come to an end.
Given some unique needs and space requirements for our old and trusted friend, as well as limitations related to monthly leasing cost, the APL is reaching out to the community and asking for help in identifying a suitable garage space for the vehicle.
According to Outreach Services Department manager Kathleen Butzen, the priorities for the new space are size and proximity to the library’s materials collection. Because materials are maintained on the third floor of the Santori Public Library of Aurora, the closer that the garage space is to the Santori Library, 101 S. River Street, the better.
Butzen gave details on size and other specific needs for the vehicle, she said, “Of course monthly leasing cost is always a consideration. However, aside from the new space being within a five-mile radius of the Santori Library, to accommodate the bookmobile the space has to be at least 41 feet long by 10 feet wide by 13 feet high, with some room for maneuvering, opening doors, loading books, and the ability for drivers to walk around the vehicle for pre-trip and post-trip inspection, including opening the engine and generator compartments doors.”
The APL officials realize that finding a suitable garage space that meets all of those needs will be difficult. However, they are hopeful that a space for the bookmobile can be found prior to the start of extreme cold weather that can wreak havoc on the vehicle’s mechanical systems. The APL is thinking outside the box, and asking that the community members do the same by helping to find a facility to accommodate the vehicle.
Since putting its first bookmobile into service in 1957, the Bookmobile has served as the Library’s rolling location to provide a variety of outreach services such as Lobby Stop Service, Home Bound Service, Senior Programming, Traveling Storytime and Stories in the Park, to meet the needs of customers with limited mobility and access.
If you have or know of a space that you believe would accommodate the Bookmobile please contact Kathleen Butzen at 630-723-2725.
Anthony Stanford is an author and Aurora Public Library Media Consultant.