New $600,000 Bookmobile rolls out Monday in Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s first Bookmobile — a $5,000 used conversion van — took to the streets in 1973 and stopped at neighborhood parks to host puppet shows and show short movies.
More than a half-century later — now that the first vehicle and four successors have all hit the road — a new souped-up $600,000 Bookmobile is set to go into service next week, offering more space inside for books and programs, modular shelves, and a fully accessible lift to get in.
Like the first one, this Bookmobile will have a screen — except it will be embedded into the side of the vehicle as a promotional and interactive tool, and be under an electric awning for shade during sunny community events.
Library officials and Bookmobile staff will cut the ribbon on their sixth library on wheels Monday before the rig begins making its regular rounds the following day. The event, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the library’s Dunton Avenue entrance, will feature tours, giveaways, a farewell activity for the old vehicle, and remarks from Executive Director Mike Driskell and board President Amy Somary.
The new 33-foot Winnebago — manufactured by Stevensville, Maryland-based TechOps Specialty Vehicles — cost $602,759.
More than $500,000 of the vehicle’s cost will be paid with donations from the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation, Friends of the Library and three estates who bequeathed gifts. The library is covering the rest.
The decommissioned vehicle — at 17 years and 70,000 miles — is rusting and has been in need of annual repairs, officials said.
Interested buyers for the 2008 Thomas/Matthews diesel machine can submit a sealed bid until 1 p.m. Sept. 11 at the library.
The Bookmobile — run by four librarians who stock, maintain and drive the vehicle — operates year-round in all sorts of weather, making 27 regular stops at parks, schools, apartment complexes and senior communities, in addition to fests and other special events.
Library cardholders can request books, movies, games and other materials by placing a hold for pickup at ahml.info.
cplacek@dailyherald.com