NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Look out! The Norfolk Public Library's Bookmobile is hitting the street on April 11.
After several months of renovations, the Bookmobile is back and ready to hit the road in time for National Bookmobile Day. It goes to communities who can't always get to the library.
"People need to know how to read, and if they're not able to get to the material, they are really handicapped, you know. I see it as a personal need," said manager Bettie Goganious. She said the renovations cost just over $160,000.
In 1956, the Norfolk Public Library launched its first bookmobile. Over the following 60 years, the library has had four different bookmobiles. The most current one has been in operation since 1999, but suffered multiple repairs and ongoing maintenance.
On average, the Bookmobile circulates over 15,000 books and materials each year. It provides services to the library’s underserved and those who cannot easily access an established branch.
The bookmobile averages 20 stops a week, four days a week.
The renovated Bookmobile is making four stops on National Bookmobile Day:
- 9 a.m.: Norfolk City Hall (810 Union Street)
- 11 a.m.: Old Dominion University (Webb Center, VIP Lot 26 on West 49th Street)
- 1:30 p.m.: Naval Station NEX (1560 Mall Drive)
- 3:30 p.m.: Workforce Development Center (201 E. Little Creek Road)
For more information about the Bookmobile or to view its schedule, click here.
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