Pocono News Section

New Lycoming County Mobile Library

New Lycoming County Mobile Library - Friday, January 29, 2010 at 5:10PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday, Jan 29, 2010 @ 05:10pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

Williamsport's James V. Brown Library has a shiny new way of bringing literature to the people of Lycoming County. We’ve got your first look at the library's newest addition.

Meet Lycoming County's new Mobile Library- a 31-foot-long safe haven for literature of all varieties. The bookmobile visits 46 locations monthly, in two week intervals, and serves all ages.

County Service Manager Stephanie Farr explained, "Everything checks out for two weeks so it's really easy to remember and people have a longer period of time with it. And with the people who live in the outlying areas, you know, we're meeting them halfway."

At its open house Friday afternoon, visitors marveled at the new machine's impressive dimensions and functionality, which includes a chair lift for handicapped access.

Richard Caldera, of Williamsport, noted, "Well for older people, they don't always have the mobility to come into town and deal with the parking or walking and what not. Basically the bookmobile comes to us and makes it much more convenient."

The county's first Mobile Library hit the road back in 1936. But young or old, this new version has something for everyone.

Librarians estimate the Mobile Library is stocked with more than 5,000 items- including books, DVD's, magazines, and more.

Four-year-old Hunter Frisch found plenty of books he liked, and was making plans to check some out. He told us the new vehicle was “pretty cool.”

Library officials say the Mobile Library helps encourage literacy in ways they just can't accomplish from a building downtown.

Farr added, "It's sort of leveling the playing field so that every person in the community has an equal opportunity to read and enjoy different types of media."

Several local businesses cooperated on the design and construction of the new Lycoming County Mobile Library.