One of my favorite childhood memories is that of our Bookmobile.
I was a kid who loved to read. If there was a choice between playing outside and reading a good book, I went with the book. More often than not, you would find me with my head buried in a book, oblivious to everything going on around me. It was my escape, my peek into other worlds, other times, magical ideas, wonder.
Every day the same conversation would occur.
Mom: It’s time for dinner.
Me: Just let met finish this page.
3 minutes later:
Mom: I said, it’s time for dinner!
Me: I just have two more paragraphs, Mom!
And so on.
We didn’t have a lot of money, so I checked out books from the library. Some I got from my elementary school library. But most of them came from our Bookmobile. Every Thursday, the Bookmobile that was a part of the Dearborn library system arrived in the parking lot of my elementary school. I lived two blocks away from my school, so getting there was easy.
Miss McHenry, our local librarian/bookmobile driver would pull into the parking lot. The driver’s seat would turn around to face a counter that ran the width of the truck. When she needed to come out into the bookshelf area, she would simply lift a portion of the counter and walk out into the truck.
I thought that Miss McHenry had the neatest job in the world. I could imagine nothing more wonderful than not only being surrounded by books, but also being able to drive that truck! Oh, that seemed like the perfect job. I wanted to be Miss McHenry, who was unfailingly kind, polite and helpful to all of us who frequented the Bookmobile. I wanted to be a librarian, yes, but I wanted to be a librarian who worked in a Bookmobile. Much more fun.
Miss McHenry remembered what I liked and had suggestions ready for me. She knew I liked books with red covers. She encouraged me to read all of the Little House books. My world expanded. My imagination soared.
I couldn’t wait for Thursday to arrive. I would go home from school, grab my previously checked-out books, and walk the two blocks to the parking lot. Often, my mom would come along with me because she loved to read, too. I would greet Miss McHenry, hand her the books, and eagerly turn back to the shelves. What would I find this week? Could I be daring and check out more than 5 books? Would Mom let me start reading them as soon as I got home? Were there new red-covered books?
Nothing was better to me than carrying a stack of yet-to-be-explored books homeward. So many possibilities! So many worlds to explore!
Our Bookmobile was a godsend to a serious young girl who liked to read and dream and lose herself in the printed page. I cannot begin to tell you how important it was to me. I can still see the inside of that truck, the shelves that were full of all shapes and sizes of books. I can see the shelves near the bottom of the stacks where the children’s books were – the perfect height for a kid like me. I can see the counter where Miss McHenry would take my stack of books and stamp the due date inside the cover. (I so wanted to operate that stamp!)
I lost track of Miss McHenry many years ago. I have no idea what happened to her. But I thank her for her love of books, for her respect for children and for introducing me to so many wonderful stories. For instilling in me a love of the printed word, on the page, between actual book covers, that I carry with me to this day. And I thank my hometown for knowing that kids needed to read and perhaps the best way to get books to them was via a mobile library that arrived almost on one’s doorstep!
Did you have Bookmobiles when you were young?
Happy Thursday.
Good morning, Claudia! We didn’t have a bookmobile but I lived just blocks away from the Carnegie Library uptown, a beautiful old library that is now the County Historical Museum. How I loved to wander through the stacks in the basement–the children’s area, and find new books! As a South Dakota girl, of course I loved the Little House series, but also the books by Louisa May Alcott, Gene Stratton Porter, and the Trixie Belden series. I loved Trixie far more than Nancy Drew–I could relate better to a spunky young girl from a family of modest means that I ever could to Nancy and her little roadster! Have you read the amusing series of books by Ian Samsom? They feature a rather hapless English librarian who ends up driving a bookmobile in Ireland. They might bring back some more happy bookmobile memories! Thanks for sharing this fun memory and three cheers for librarians and childhood books!
I loved Trixie Belden, too, and Nancy Drew and Gene Stratton Porter.
Oh, and thank you for telling me about Ian Samson – I will have to get some of his books!
Oh yes, we had a bookmobile, and I still have many of those books. Have shared a few on my blog. As a matter-of-fact, I already had it in mind to use children’s books for my “favorite thing” this Sat! My daughter’s school still has a bookmobile, but the prices have changed considerably, and the choices aren’t as cute as far as I’m concerned. I think I’m glad I grew up when I did!
Our bookmobile didn’t sell books, though. It was a lending library. I didn’t know there were bookmobiles that sold books – how neat!
Oh yeah! I got a lot of great books for 35 cents– 50 cents! Hmm… am I dating myself??? My daughter’s are now 2-4 bucks each!
We didn’t have a bookmobile, but I loved my school and public library. I was and continue to be an avid reader and consider myself very lucky to live half a mile from our town’s library. All of my children participated in summer reading programs, and one of my daughters works there part-time as a page now. I think public libraries are far and away one of the best ideas humankind has ever had!
Me, too, Jeanmarie. Our little local library here in my small town is very nice, indeed, and is part of a larger library system so I can reserve books from other libraries. Love it.
What a wonderful story… I can almost see your bookmobile and beloved Miss McHenry. We didn’t have a bookmobile here but I remember reading about them. I would imagine I would think it was a great job too. Especially that turn around seat to the librarian’s counter. :) I think it is so cute that you liked red covered books. Do you still? I’m partial to old turquoise covered books now… the subject is of no concern; it’s all about the colour. :)
When I was a kid, red was my favorite color. Now I like any color, but in terms of vintage books, faded and beautiful are the things I look for.
Just like all of us Claudia… beautiful — just a little faded. :)
xoxo
I don’t remember a bookmobile, but we had a wonderful children’s library in our main library. The children’s area was downstairs and you could get to it from the outside (which was neat because the stairs were below ground) or inside. The main (adult) part of the library had huge counters and the old card catalog files. It was a beautiful (and hushed) place! And the balcony area was spoooky!
I miss all those old card catalogues!
I love it when posts take you back in time. Yours certainly did. While we did not have bookmobiles, we did have a library about a mile from our home. I frequented that place constantly. I would either walk, or ride my bike…no helmet, coasting down the hill to the library. Course the trip back home was a bit much, but I never seemed to mind, because books took to me many places! Thanks, Claudia…haven’t thought about that time in awhile!;)
Never wore a helmet in those days, did we? I rode my bike everywhere and, frankly, I’m very glad I didn’t have to wear a helmet!
Me, too. Me, too. I loved the bookmobile, and I loved the school library, too. My favorites were The Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden, Cherry Ames, Anne of Green Gables, the Little House Series and all books of Louisa Alcott. But, my favorite then took a turn for auto- and biographies. I am still living the “just let me finish this chapter” story.
As an adult, my favorites were historical fiction, but lately I have been on a roll of reading many Southern authors.
Forgot all about Cherry Ames, Beverly! I also remember reading books about Clara Barton. And I loved Beverly Cleary books – had to say that in honor of your name!
We did not have a bookmobile in our small southern town, but I lived within wakling distance. I have always loved to read and passed this love onto my children. My most exciting and rewarding summer job was when I was asked to work at the library one summer as part of the I summer reading program. (Do they still have those, or has it gone the way of most education?) I got to stamp the books! I was allowed to restock the shelves and when there were no customers, I got to read! Loved the stormy days, I read almost all day. We even had a windowseat. Oh to have the time to read as much as I would like. I love your postings. Thank you for letting me share your day.
Oh gosh, a window seat! Perfect. Lucky you, Regena, getting to work in the library!
I didn’t have a Bookmobile either but loved the school and public library! My school librarians knew me since I went in so often. It was there I found the Little House books and LOVED them and still do. I always took my girls to the library and we did summer reading programs every year. You know I still love my books and read all the time. I’m also proud to say my daughter is continuing the love of books with Tiger. He loves his books, picks them out, knows the titles at 18 mos and even goes to a few things at the library like storytelling time. Its a much better world then TV and I’m so happy they agree! Great post!! hugs, Linda
I agree, Linda. Much, much better than tv. Or video games!
I too have very early, fond memories of the Bookmobile. I can’t remember any particular titles, but it did instill a love of reading that has never abated!
And that’s the most important thing!
We did have a bookmobile- but we had to pay for the books. I don’t remember them being too expensive though- as I was able to save up money from jobs for neighbors and birthdays and such. I remember how exciting it was to go out to the truck and look at all the books and decide what to order with the little amount that I had. Like you- I read ALL the time as a child–my Mom always had to come take the flashlight away from me at night so I would sleep and want to get up for school the next day. This post made me smile with memories :)
Ours was part of the city library system, so we got to borrow the books – no money involved, just a library card!
Hi Claudia, I don’t remember a bookmobile. But, I have alway been a reader too. My favorite day in school was when the scholastic book flyer came out. Now, I knew I could only pick a couple books , so I went through it a million times before making my decision! Now I go to the library almost every week. I love it.
-Lynn
I remember when those Scholastic flyers came out. I was so excited because it meant I could order some books of my very own. Do you remember the day the box of books would come in? Oh so exciting!
We didn’t have a bookmobile, but I think they are wonderful things, especially in outlying areas that may be to far for the public libraries. I was a library girl though and read all the books mentioned above as well as a British favorite author, Enid Blyton. Couldn’t get enough of her books! Mrs. McHenry sounds like she DID have the best job in the world! Ann
She did!
We did indeed have a bookmobile in my tiny town, but only for the summer months. I was first in line and took out the max number of books allowed–don’t remember what that number was exactly, but I read them all. I usually picked books by the title rather than subject matter which lead me all over the place. It was a rickety old bus, parked on a hot, dusty road, and I don’t remember the driver at all, but I can tell you it was the highlight of my week when it arrived.
It was almost a magical place to me!
We had no bookmobile in my hometown, but I devoured books just as you did. Mine were from the school libraries I attended. I think I read every horse book to be had in my hometown! I became a librarian; I have worked in libraries for 33 years. I have given my career to trying to help others find that love of reading. Every now and then, I see a post like yours and it makes me proud. Today, when so many City officials are telling us that nobody needs the library any more since everyone has computers and e-readers, I especially appreciate hearing the stories of those who just love the good old-fashioned book. And the library, whether on wheels or not. Thank you for the excellent post.
Debra, how wonderful that you are a librarian! Those City officials who think no one needs the library are sadly mistaken. What about families who can’t afford e-readers, or who don’t have the luxury of a computer. And besides all that, what about those of us (and there are many) who love books – the 3 dimensional kind – and pass that love onto our children and grandchildren?
Our town was a little rural town starting out it is now a pretty big suburb of Dallas. But back then we had a bookmobile too. We couldn’t buy the books they were on loan from the Dallas Public Library. Our school was so small and it didn’t have enough of the good books for the kids to read. We borrowed them just like you and looked forward for it’s return in 2 weeks!
The other thing I looked forward to was the SCHOLASTIC BOOK Pamphlet … I remember using a pen and circling books I wanted…and handing it to my mother thinking I’d get every one. We didn’t have much money…but when Christmas came some how my mother had purchased them without my knowing. I never ever received my books at school like other children. It was kind of strange; but there were other children who never got them at school either. I guess our mother’s thought alike…and we all got books for Christmas… sort of reminds me of your’s and Don’s trip to town and the book store last week.
Good times!
Pat
Our books were on loan also – the bookmobile was part of the public library system. Lynn (comment above) also mentioned Scholastic Books and I loved them, too! I would circle the books I wanted, but I knew I could only order a few because we didn’t have much money. How neat that your mom found a way to get those books for you. What a perfect present!
I don’t think my town had a Bookmobile, but we did have an awesome library. I loved to read as a kid too, and always jumped at the chance to go to the library and get more books. Loved Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, and Little House on the Prairie books.
So many readers have talked about the Little House books lately that I’m thinking about re-reading them! And maybe some Nancy Drew, too.
I wish I had learned to like to read..I love a good book but can’t put it down if it grabs me..I get nothing else done..I don’t pick up a book unless I have the time to finish it…
You sound like my husband, Missy.
NO bookmobiles…..
lived in the country and up on a hill and back then if the bus didn’t want to navigate the hill ? The bus just didn’t come and we figured it out after freezing for an hour at the bottom of the driveway after waiting for a bus that never came
Yea…no snow delay notices back then, lol
SO…putting the country ( and the 45 minute drive to the local school ) into perspective….my books were either pulled from the school library or the Reader’s Digest books…anyone remember those ? My mom must have had a subscription of some sort; the books each had 3 or 4 classics in each. I grew up reading very old-fashioned books :)
You DID live in the country, Debra! I remember Condensed Books very well – we had some of those and my grandmother had a lot of them.
I. too, remember the Bookmobile. This was where I discovered Helen Fuller Orton’s Mystery series. My favorite was Mystery in the Apple Orchard and Mystery of the Pirate Oak. I also discovered Dorothy Nathan’s The Shy One. All of those books are now sitting on my bookshelves and I take one down and read them often.
Those are new titles to me, Shasha. I’ll have to see if I can find them.
No bookmobiles where we lived! i always thought it sounded “romantic”..we walked to the library. 5 books at a time..didn’t last long! but the walk was easy (follow the tracks or meander or ride my bike) Mysteries were the BEST! I LOVED The Hardy Boys. they were better than Nancy Drew to me.
Miss Brennan (the librarian) scared me just a little bit. We HAD to be quiet, but she had a smoker’s cough the resounded through the place :)
thanks for the memories Claudia!!
Oh, those smoker’s coughs! I had a few teachers that had them.
Mysteries are still the best (to me!)
Hi Claudia,
The Bookmobile came to the Purity Grocery store parking lot every Thursday. My friend Susan and I would ride our bikes every week and fill our baskets with mysteries, horse stories and, my favorite, Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I remember how cold it was inside (a great relief on those hot California afternoons). We would head for home and spend the entire afternoon lying on lounge chairs in the yard, reading. We lived in a rather large city and the neighborhood library branch was only a mile away, but we would much rather ride over to the Bookmobile. If we wanted a book that wasn’t on the truck, the librarian would special order it for us and have it the next week. I too wanted that library stamp! Nothing feels or smells better than a room full of books, even if it’s a room on wheels :)
I love that image of your bike basket being full of books! Wonderful.
I love reading your posts, Claudia! You have such a lovely way with words when you share your memories with us of the things and people that matter to you. We did not have a book mobile when I was young, but there was a library just a few doors down from my elementary school and I went there all the time with my mother to check out books. Books were so important to me when I was a child and they were my favorite gifts at Christmas. Treasure Island. Little Women. Kidnapped. Old-Fashioned Girl. Freckles. I can still see that library in my mind (and what seemed liked 100 granite steps leading up to the big swing doors!) with its vaulted ceilings, mahogany shelves , velvet window seats and marble columns. Thank you so much for evoking this memory with your beautiful post!
I love to read too! I actually go through spurts where I will read book after book and then I take a break and start back up again. It’s funny that I’m reading this post because I was just telling myself last week that I want to go to the library. I may have mentioned this before but I got an eReader for Christmas a couple of years ago. I do really like it, for traveling and stuff, but I love the feel of an actual book and turning the pages. Luckily for me I have a library about five minutes from my house. I think I am finally going to go this week! =]
Oh Yes! We had a Bookmobile! I loved it when it would come visit! It would pull up to the back door of the school and we would take turns going to it. I loved to get books on Dolly Madison…don’t ask me why, I just did! That’s what I remember most about going. There would be a man and a woman on my bookmobile and they would turn around in their seats and there would be a desk there, just like you described. Great memories! I owned Nancy Drew books and even just now remembered a Bobbsey Twin book. ‘Bobbsey Twins at the Seashore”. Wow, haven’t thought of that in years! Great memories and such simpler times……~xo, Patti
Oh my goodness, Claudia the book mobile was absolutely one of my favorite memories. The only time we got new books of our own was on Christmas, when I would get two Nancy Drew;s and read them in two days. Our bookmobile drove up to our neighborhood shopping center each week and I couldn’t wait to go and pick out my new books. When we moved to a small town in Canada, I was allowed to ride my bike to the local library, It was heaven :)
Hugs,
Laura
Hi Claudia, Thank you for sharing this post and emailing me the link. What a walk down memory lane for me to read your fond memories of those wonderful days. I so loved to read too and always had books all around me. My mother also called for dinner and I was finishing up a story or playing the piano. I imagine you and I in the same sweet bookmobile so long ago not knowing where our lives would take us. Life is so mysterious. I do not remember the dear lady you write about, but I am sure she was a gem. Having a source bringing us books each week was such a blessing. I too remember the inside layout, the scent of books and waiting in line to go in when it would be crowded. A few would go out and a new group went in.
It’s so funny I have had this on my mind latel,y then find your recent post. So glad too as my reading list will not and has not opened in forever with google. So I have had a challenge to visiting around blogland. When Cabin and Cottages had your link on her post, I was glad to visit.
Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful week.
Hugs, Celestina Marie