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A Little Free Library Shaped Like a Bookmobile

Derek Attig

Staff Writer

Derek works in graduate student career development and is (believe it or not) one of the world's foremost experts on the history of bookmobiles. Follow Derek on Twitter @bookmobility and on Instagram @bookmobility.

Today is National Bookmobile Day in the U.S.! It’s a day devoted to celebrating the libraries and librarians who take books on the road, offering access and literature to often isolated users. What could be better?

Well, what about a special National Bookmobile Day Little Free Library in the shape of a bookmobile? Yeah, that might do it.

The Aurora (IL) Public Library has a history of exciting National Bookmobile Day projects. They distributed “I Support Bookmobiles!” bracelets in 2010, for example, and debuted a Mobile Outreach Puppet Show (!) last year. And in 2012, they commissioned this video, “Why We Love Our Bookmobile”:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N01iikkOPx4[/youtube]

 

But I’m pretty sure this year’s going to take the cake. The brainchild of Outreach Services Manager Kathleen Butzen, this year’s celebration features a Little Free Library painted to match the colors and design of Aurora’s iconic, red-white-and-blue bookmobile.

The box was made by repurposing a cabinet from Main Library, making it even more library-tastic. But they didn’t just make this adorable Little Free Library; they’re going to give it away. The library is inviting donations to a project to build a children’s garden next to a new branch, and donations of $10 or more enter you in a raffle to win the mini-bookmobile.

In addition to being a really creative promotion, the contest also captures something of the spirit of bookmobiles: bringing people together to support the public good and expand access to books. What a perfect way to mark National Bookmobile Day 2015.

Also, that Little Free Library is just really, really cute.

So how are you going to celebrate National Bookmobile Day this year?

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