By 1812Blockhouse
Rolling, rolling, rolling – keep those books a’rolling.
Each month, the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library makes its way across the county, bringing the services of the Main Library and branches to places a bit more remote.
The Bookmobile is, in fact, just that – a branch on wheels. Not only will you find books to peruse and borrow, but you can get your library card, place and pick up materials on hold, return books, check our DVDs and video games, and more.
While the current vehicle is relatively new, the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library had a similar service through its “branchmobile,” which operated from the 1950s through 1989. Even earlier, bookmobiles took library services across the area as far back as the 1920s.
These vehicles are the descendants of traveling libraries dating back to The American School Library, a set of books first published in 1839 and which came in a wooden carrying case. In the early 1900s it was the Women’s Club movement, which had a strong presence in Mansfield, which sought to champion roving libraries.
During the upcoming summer, the following schedule will help you choose a time when the MRCPL Bookmobile will be in your area:
Bellville
- Locust Corners Bulk Food & Dairy—2nd Saturday of the month | 10 AM-12 PM
Greenwich
- Oakwood Crossing—1st Satirday of the month | 1 PM-2:30 PM
Mansfield
- Johns Park—2nd Wednesday of the month | 3-4 PM
- Kingwood Center Gardens—1st Monday of the month | 11:30 AM-1 PM
- Mansfield YMCA/Sterkel Park—2nd Tuesday of the month | 11 AM-1 PM
- NECIC Neighborhood Outreach Center—2nd Wednesday of the month | 4:30-6 PM
- Park Run at North Lake Park—3rd Saturday of month | 8:30-10:30 AM
Ontario
- Area Agency on Aging—1st Tuesday of the month | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Plymouth/Shiloh
- Blooming Grove Auction—3rd Wednesday of the month | 10 AM-12 PM
- Country Fabrics—1st Saturday of the month | 10 AM-12 PM
- Planktown Market—3rd Wednesday of the month | 12:30 PM-2 PM
- Village of Shiloh (Ox Roast Pavilion)—3rd Wednesday of the month | 2:30 PM-4 PM
Photo: Public Domain
