Mid-Columbia Library

Benton, Franklin and Adams County

MCL Home

  Patron Account

Bookmobile

Phone: 509-582-5676

Kevin Dougherty, Driver
Carol Eakin, Clerk

Road Warriors!
Yesterday & Today

Soon after the library district was established in January 1949, MCL purchased it's first bookmobile and hit the road on May 17, 1949.  In the beginning, the early bookmobile "pioneers" endured some pretty extreme conditions:  lack of any air conditioning in the unbearable summer heat of yesteryear, the inability to keep the huge amounts of dust out of the interior of the vehicle as they traveled along primitive roadways and the lack of restroom facilities all made their job pretty tough at times.  The minutes from the August 1, 1949 Board meeting authorized staff to try tying a bag of dry-ice in front of the heater fan in an attempt to find some comfort from the heat!

Several other bookmobiles have been in service at MCL over the years. Our current bookmobile started service on April 19, 2004. Bookmobiles have come a long way since 1949. Those who board today's bookmobile will find not only a great collection of books, videos, magazines, CD's, DVD's, books-on-tape, and computer access, but a friendly (and cool!) atmosphere as well. Features such as an outside awning and an inside electronic reader board add to the bookmobile's appeal.

Our bookmobile serves stops in Benton and Franklin Counties, including rural schools with small libraries, or no libraries at all. Click on the "Schedule" link to find out about current stops, as well as dates for parades that will include the bookmobile.