In Adair County, the library has never been confined to four walls.
Since 1955, the Adair County Public Library’s bookmobile has taken books, resources and library services directly into communities throughout the county. Now, a new custom-built bookmobile is ready to continue that tradition.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Thursday for the new bookmobile, which will be operated by Bookmobile Librarian Juanita Scott. Scott will continue providing the same services to residents throughout the county, but now from a new vehicle designed and outfitted specifically for the bookmobile program.
Librarian Lee Ann Jessee said plans to purchase a new bookmobile began about two years ago. After the van was purchased, the next step was transforming the interior into a functional mobile library, a process known as retrofitting.
The company in Lexington that had previously completed the library’s bookmobile retrofitting was no longer able to provide the service. Scott was determined to get the project completed.
She reached out to local business owner Michael Collins about completing the project. Although the retrofit was something he had never done, Collins quickly agreed to take it on.
Collins custom-built the shelves and cabinets inside the bookmobile and completed the flooring.
Casey Taylor constructed and installed the handrails, while Kentucky Sign Center-Columbia designed and applied the graphics to the vehicle.
From the initial purchase to the interior construction and graphics, the project was completed in Adair County.
The bookmobile was purchased with the library’s portion of property tax revenue, providing a local example of how those tax dollars are being used to provide services to residents.
The bookmobile serves residents throughout Adair County, including people who are homebound, families without reliable transportation, members of the Amish community and homeschool families. Services are provided to approximately 100 families, many with multiple children.
Scott visits each location twice a month, bringing books and library services directly to residents who may otherwise have difficulty accessing the library.
Those interested in bookmobile services can contact the Adair County Public Library at 270-384-2472.
By Amy Pike
