The Invermere Public Library officially launched its new bookmobile April 24, helping expand access to knowledge across the valley. More than 180 people attended the celebration.
Invermere library director Blair McFarlane said the mobile library will bring books, Wi-Fi and library services directly to communities across the Columbia Valley. The service is intended to help people who have trouble getting to the library, including seniors, people with mobility challenges and those without transportation.
“Our bookmobile is a Ford transit van that’s been decked out with shelving, a checkout station, power and all that good stuff to provide library access to our entire catchment area, including our more rural communities. The Invermere library service area spans from Spillimacheen to Canals flat and up to Panorama. So we wanted to find a way to bring the library to the people who don’t have a vehicle, the people who have a harder time getting out of the house or out of their communities, since we have limited public transport in our areas. The vans also a Wi-Fi hotspot as well.” said McFarlane.
The bookmobile will offer book borrowing and returns, free WiFi, simple tech help, summer programs, and visits to schools and seniors facilities. Home delivery will also be available for people unable to access stops.
“This is week two of us being up and on the road, So the plan right now is for us to hit each community once a month and then we will also be going to certain special community events. We’re doing a couple other programs and then starting in the upcoming school year in September we will be regularly going to all of the schools as well up to seniors housing and will do home delivery for people who need it as well. Then in the summertime and when the weather is good, we’re planning to do programming out of the van like story time, and those kinds of things.” McFarlane said.
McFarlane said she hopes the van will encourage people to use the newly accessible services so everyone can benefit regardless of their situation. She said the bookmobile is intended to bring the close-knit community atmosphere of a library on the road.
“We’re hoping that by making the library easier for people to access it’ll increase people borrowing books or getting access to the information that they need. It will also work as a community gathering space that’s on the move, like our library community living room. So now we’re going to bring that living room up and down the valley.” said McFarlane.
McFarlane explained how the bookmobile services will work and who can access them.
“Any programming or things that we do either off the bookmobile or at the library, you don’t need a membership to participate in, but to borrow materials you do. So anybody who lives in the valley full-time and has a local address on their ID is able to get a free membership. People who own second properties in the valley, since we’re a very popular tourist destination, if they show us their property tax assessment they can also get a free library card. Then those who don’t fit in either of those boxes can get a temporary membership that’s $30 for a year, but you get $15 back once you return the card and the books.” McFarlane said.
McFarlane mentioned where to find the schedule and how the public can know where the bookmobile will be.
“People can follow our Facebook or Instagram pages at Invermere Public Library to see the most current schedule. Or they can visit our website at Invermere.BC.library.coop. People can always give us a call at 250-342-6416 if they have any questions.” said McFarlane.
We hope to see people out there soon, we hope that this helps make it easier for people to access our library services.
The launch of the bookmobile reflects the Invermere Public Library’s effort to expand access to knowledge and bring literacy opportunities directly to people across the valley.
The library is seeking sponsors, donations and letters of support to help grow the project. Donations of $20 or more qualify for a tax receipt.
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