A very fond memory from my childhood is the arrival of the library bookmobile at the playground of my grade school. It would come at 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month. I could go by myself, or take my sister when she was old enough to get a library card.
The monthly visit meant I could get another book that was mine for a month. I guarded these books like they were gold, and to me they were — a new book every month, and I could read Nancy Drew mysteries, about zoo animals and where they came from, or about kids from other countries. I especially liked seeing how these other kids dressed and what sports they played and whatever else they did for fun.
I tell you this because I’m not sure everyone knows that Kitsap Regional Library offers the convenience of a bookmobile, and other services too. This is how it works:
Go online to www. krl.org/bookmobile and request a book, or call 360-405-0112. The library staff will put that book on the bookmobile for delivery to the site closest to you. To find bookmobile locations, go to www.krl.org/bookmobile or ask your local librarian. You can also look in the library’s magazine, “Inspire.” These magazines are available at all libraries in the Kitsap Regional Library system and they are free.
I met with Jomichele Seidl, who is in charge of the Kitsap Regional Library bookmobile service, and Mark Hughes director of communications. Their offices are at the Sylvan Way Library branch in Bremerton.
Jomichele told me there are two bookmobiles, and there are also two vans in the Outreach Program. Outreach provides deliveries to people with “significant barriers to using the library locations.” Outreach includes home delivery of books.
Another service: materials requested are prepared by a specialist at the library for pick up at the nearest library by an individual of your choice.
For details about having books delivered to your home, call 360-405-9123 or go to krl.org/outreach-services.
Because the Kitsap Regional Library system is growing, so is the need for volunteers. Staff members welcome volunteers who can provide special services, like tutoring or helping with projects. All branches can use this help, so no matter how much time you can give, it is welcomed and appreciated.
On another note, if you like to read books by local authors, you can find more of their work at your local book store, like Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo and Bremerton, or Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge Island, or at Barnes & Nobel in Silverdale. Look for the section labeled “Local Authors.” And don’t forget, these stores still have titles left over from Christmas. There are story books, cookbooks, calendars and fiction — and most of them are greatly discounted.
Happy reading in this new year.
QUOTE FOR TODAY: It’s always better to have too much to read than not enough. — Anne Patchett
— Donna Lee Anderson teaches writing and is the author of two novels and a resource book for writers. She can be reached at welltoldtales@aol.com.
