Missoula Public Library to Introduce Their New Bookmobile

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The ‘library on wheels’ returns to the Missoula Public Library in October with the introduction of their new Bookmobile.

I spoke to the Bookmobile Library Specialist Chloe Runs Behind about the return of the mobile book service to the Missoula community.

A Colorful New Bookmobile Will Make its Debut at the Library on Saturday

“Missoula County is getting a new Bookmobile, and we're going to be starting services on October 1,” began Runs Behind. “I'm very excited to hit the road and bring the library to people all over the county. I think we just felt a need to reach more folks in more rural areas and folks who aren't able to access the library as easily.”

Runs Behind provided more details about the new Bookmobile service.

Sponsors Include the Missoula Food Bank and Missoula's Public Schools

“We're back with this new Bookmobile that was funded fully by donations from some really generous donors and community support,” she said. “We're going to be having a bookmobile launch party where some of our supporters are going to be speaking a little bit on what they're excited about for the bookmobile, and we obviously thank the library foundation for their support and getting this service going.”

She described the Bookmobile itself.

“The bookmobile is a 23 foot long Sprinter van, and it's got shelves on the inside that we're putting more books in every day,” she said. “It's wheelchair accessible, so there's a lift in the back that sort of serves a dual purpose of getting books into the bookmobile and getting disabled folks into the vehicle.”

READ MORE: Is Missoula Library One of the Best in the World for This?

The Bookmobile Launch Party Will Be Saturday from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M.

Runs Behind described the Bookmobile’s upcoming launch party.

“The launch party is going to be on this Saturday, September 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the library parking lot. We're going to have some speakers. The artist behind the artwork on the side of the bookmobile, Stella Nall, will be speaking a little bit about her art, and we're going to have a little ribbon cutting, and we're going to have some cake and music, and it will just be a sweet time, and people can come on and see the bookmobile.”

Partners in funding the Bookmobile include the Missoula Food Bank, Missoula Aging services, and Missoula County Public Schools.