Libraries can take many forms: Building, a tent, a digital space (which the pandemic has shown) or, even an automobile, such the Aurora Public Library District’s (APLD) Bookmobile, which began delivering library materials to Aurora communities in 1953.
Why does APLD need a Bookmobile when we have three locations? “We are able to bring library materials and services to Aurora residents who might not otherwise have access to our branches,” said Jessica Cantarero, APLD’s Outreach Services manager. Barbara Hernandez, State representative of Illinois’ 83rd District, knows the importance of accessibility.. As a child, her family could not gain access to the Library building in downtown Aurora due to her mother’s inability to drive and the language barrier within the public transportation system. “So having the Bookmobile come to us, to my schools growing up, to my brother’s schools, was really helpful to see,” Hernandez said.
Providing that accessibility is one of outreach service specialist, Laura Gartman’s favorite things about working on the Bookmobile. She enjoys “being able to go into the neighborhoods […] Lets us give more personal service. We get to know our customers, what they like to read, hear about what’s going on in their lives and listen to their stories. That personal level of service is important to them and I’m happy we can provide that for them.[…] The joy we’ve given our Bookmobile customers comes back to us when visitors come on board to tell us of their happy childhood memories of visiting the Bookmobile. They are so appreciative that we still offer Bookmobile service to the community.”
Not only are we continuing to offer our Bookmobile service to the community, we are improving it! APLD is getting a new Bookmobile in the near future to replace our current Bookmobile, which has been in service for more than 18 years. The improved Bookmobile will have additional and enhanced technology in the form of, “an interior and exterior TV, expanded and improved free public Wi-Fi and computer workstations for customers with the ability to print documents. Exterior speakers and a bubble machine will make parades and community events even more fun. Digital signage on the back will display upcoming stops while driving and increase safety while stopped. It will be a vibrant, welcoming mobile library with comfortable customer seating and library materials for all ages,” said Cantarero enthusiastically.
From 2019 to early 2020, the Aurora Public Library District Foundation raised $262,000 for this improved Bookmobile. In conjunction with the Foundation’s hard work, this would not have been possible without the help of our kind #LiteracyHero donors!
To become a #LiteracyHero through your own donation, please visit aplfoundationil.org/literacy-hero. If you don’t have money to spare, that’s okay too! You can make a big impact just by following our Bookmobile updates on social media (Facebook: @APLibraryIL, Instagram: @APLibraryIL) and spreading the word with a simple like or share.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure the Bookmobile continues to enhance the lives of residents in Aurora through literacy; personal, community connections; technology; and fun!