Cook Memorial Library continues old tradition in new package

An old tradition in a new package is on the road again in Libertyville and Vernon Hills, bringing books and educational materials to a range of readers.

Shorter than previous models and with new features, the Cook Memorial Public Library District’s fifth bookmobile debuted last weekend at a trunk-or-treat event in Libertyville and has assumed a regular schedule since.

Replacing the outreach vehicle, as it is known, has been on the library board’s radar since 2021, when it began allocating funds to retire the 32-foot bus now parked at Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills while awaiting a buyer.

At a cost of $366,000, the new bookmobile was definitely a plan-ahead project. The new vehicle — a customized 2026 Ford E450 Winnebago 425S Outreach Vehicle — is 26 feet long.

The library paid $207,000 for the vehicle, which arrived Oct. 18, and Friends of the Library contributed $25,000. The remainder was funded through a bequest from the estate of Janet Hiratsuka, whose family lived in Libertyville since 1943.

Hiratsuka was a world history teacher and avid library user. Her legacy will continue through the new vehicle, joining a tribute to her sister, Linda, commemorated on a bench at Cook Park Library, officials said.

Commissioned in 2003, the old bookmobile was at the end of its useful service, said Library Director David Archer. Like any well-loved vehicle, it required more maintenance, which led to more service interruptions, he added.

It’s tour ended Oct. 17 when the community boarded to say goodbye at the Vernon Hills Park District’s Frights and Delights event. Bookmobiles have been a part of the library’s resources since 1958. Replacements followed in 1966, 1988 and 2003.

“The new vehicle’s compact size and updated features will allow the library to navigate neighborhoods more easily and expand service to locations with smaller parking lots, increasing our community reach,” Archer said.

Every Wednesday, the bookmobile stops at three neighborhoods in Vernon Hills and Mundelein. It also visits 20 different childcare centers, preschools, K-8 schools and other organizations, according to the district.

Replacing the old bookmobile with a bus-size vehicle would have been considerably more expensive, said Brooke Bahnsen, the library’s outreach manager.

The latest bookmobile has several new features, including a wheelchair lift and solar panels.

“All of the inside electronics are run by batteries or solar power,” Bahnsen said, rather than a diesel generator in the 2003 model.

The new model carries about half the 4,500 items available in the old bookmobile but has easily removable shelves that are stocked in advance with items targeted for specific patrons on a given day, Bahnsen said.

On average, about 2,000 to 3,000 items a month are checked out on the bookmobile.

mzawislak@dailyherald.com