There are few visions of library service that are more inspiring than that of a bookmobile and its staff providing books to young children. Therefore, with great sadness, it must be announced that the Chemung County Library District Bookmobile, which has served the community since 1985, has finally succumbed to a variety of ailments.
The bookmobile received her 25-year library service pin posthumously yesterday morning as she lay in state outside the Steele Memorial Library during a somber, open hood ceremony. The venerable bookmobile died of a blown head gasket which caused additional extensive damage due to overheating and loss of lubrication.
The bookmobile had travelled more than 186,000 miles delivering materials to thousands of patrons throughout the county. Through various reincarnations, the bookmobile has been offering continuous service to Chemung County since 1949.
According to Library Director Ronald Shaw, “The district’s new bookmobile, scheduled to arrive in mid-October, faces the tough task of following in the footsteps of such a beloved member of the staff. But while we will miss our old bookmobile, we eagerly await the new one’s arrival. The Chemung County Library District is very proud to be one of the few in the state that have maintained its outreach program bringing library resources to communities throughout the county, including schools, nursing homes, senior centers, and retirement communities. The new bookmobile will continue to bring library resources to homebound residents who cannot travel to the library.”
Instead of flowers, patrons are asked to visit the District’s Facebook page and share their memories.
Read the Star Gazette article here.