I’ve heard Georgetown is going to have a bookmobile. Is that correct?
Yes, the Friends of the Georgetown Public Library are running a campaign to raise $150,000 to pay for a bookmobile and books. We hope to have the bookmobile in operation by February 2012.
Has the City of Georgetown agreed to the bookmobile?
Yes the City Council voted in January to operate and maintain the bookmobile.
Who will operate the van?
The bookmobile will be the responsibility of a full time librarian reporting to Eric Lashley, Director of the Georgetown Public Library.
Why is a bookmobile an important addition for Georgetown?
We have several components of our population who are not able to go to our library. These include residents with limited mobility, some senior citizens, and underprivileged children. By having a bookmobile visit their locations, we can significantly increase their access to the library that we all enjoy. Over 20% of Georgetown residents are over 65 years of age and 48% of students at Georgetown ISD are on the free or reduced lunch program.
Do you have to have a library card to use the bookmobile?
Yes. You can use the one you currently use at the library or you will be able to have a card made for you on the bookmobile. You will need a photo identification card to verify your address.
Where will the bookmobile stop?
From September through May, on a weekly basis, the bookmobile will deliver library materials to the Wesleyan at Estrella, Sun City, other retirement communities, and four Georgetown nursing homes. From June through August the delivery schedule to adult locations will change to every two weeks so that on alternate weeks children’s materials can be delivered to a school location, the Boys and Girls Club, Getsemani Center, a low income housing complex and three City owned swimming pools.
The bookmobile librarian will finalize the locations and the schedule next fall. For nursing homes, we will work with the management to determine how the books will be distributed in their facility. This may be setting up in the lobby of the facility or by taking a cart through the halls or into the rooms of the residents.
I use the library now. Will I be able to use the bookmobile?
Yes, you can use the bookmobile to check out books or to return books you have checked out from the main library.
Can I return books from the bookmobile to the library?
Yes, your books can be checked out at either location and returned at either location.
Can I reserve books to pick up at the bookmobile?
Yes, but make sure when you reserve books that you have selected whether you wish to reserve them for the library or for the bookmobile. The library will maintain separate book and media collections for the two locations, treating the bookmobile much like a branch location of the library.
I’d like to make a donation, how can I do that?
There are multiple ways to donate money. You can go to the website and use PayPal to directly donate to this project (click on the “donate” graphic to the left), or you can print a copy of the donation form to mail to us. You may also bring the form to the library and give it to the librarian at the circulation desk. You can find a copy of our brochure at the library which includes a donation form and other information. There is a link to this special website from both the library website and the Friends of the Georgetown Public Library website.
Are there other ways I can help?
Yes, if you belong to a service organization in Georgetown, you can ask if they would like to contribute to the bookmobile campaign. We can also provide someone to speak at one of your meetings to discuss this project and answer questions. To ask a question or to request a speaker, please email info@wowbookmobile.org
Another way you can help is to arrange a gathering of your friends and neighbors to inform them about the bookmobile project and let them know how they can make a donation. Again, let us know if you would like us to provide a speaker for this.
You can call or send an email to your friends. Let them know about the bookmobile project and how it will be a great benefit to Georgetown. Please tell them about the ability to contribute online or at the library.