BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Some kids (and adults) go running, money in hand, when they hear the sound of the ice cream truck making its rounds through the neighborhood.
But others book it to the local library on wheels, aka Bookie Monster, with its printed knowledge on board, to read at no cost.
Residents of the Bethlehem Area Public Library’s service area soon will be without the cherished bookmobile on what’s been the normal six-day-a-week basis — at least for some time.
But it appears Bookie Monster still will be on the road for the next couple of months.
See here if it’ll be making a stop in your neighborhood.
‘An immeasurable impact’
Library officials said last week the “beacon of literacy and education on wheels” has turned a page in its journey, and it’s time for a modern, replacement vehicle to continue the legacy.
Bookie Monster over the years has kept 20,000 books on board at a time, bringing them to more than 750 children each week and completing more than 7,000 checkouts annually, according to BAPL.
“The bookmobile has ensured that every child has access to the joy of reading and learning. However, all journeys have their end, and it’s with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to our current bookmobile.”Bethlehem Area Public Library
“The bookmobile has ensured that every child has access to the joy of reading and learning,” a BAPL news release reads.
“However, all journeys have their end, and it’s with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to our current bookmobile.”
BAPL said the vehicle has made an “immeasurable impact” in its time serving more than 125,000 residents throughout the library’s service area of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Fountain Hill and Hanover Township.
The lore of Bookie Monster
The bookmobile’s aluminum body was designed by Moroney Body Works of Worcester, Massachusetts, according to the BAPL website.
Bookie Monster is just over 20 years old, coming in at 24 feet long and weighing about 5.5 tons (that’s a half-ton of books on board).
About 12 years ago, a young Bethlehem Township resident named Emily won the “Name the Bookmobile Contest” — and Bookie Monster was born.
It’s the second bookmobile BAPL has had at its disposal.
What will a new bookmobile cost?
Since the new bookmobile will have some big shoes to fill following Bookie Monster’s tenure, the library offers ways for community members, businesses and corporate entities to donate to the cause in the form of sponsorship packages and individual giving options.
Here’s where you can donate or find out more about the project as a whole.
The library’s financial goal to make the new vehicle a reality? $550,000.
"Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to reintroducing the bookmobile service to our community.”Bethlehem Area Public Library
Some may wonder why what seems to be a simple library on wheels could run more than a half-million dollars.
“These funds will cover the cost of acquiring a new or gently used vehicle, outfitting the interior with modern shelving, technology, and accessibility features, and covering operational costs for the year, among other necessities,” BAPL said.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to reintroducing the bookmobile service to our community.”
