The Mobile Branch - 70 Years of History


This History section is a work-in-progress.  While our records are incomplete, we continue to find new photographs in forgotten boxes in storage, or uncover newspaper articles on old Daily Record microfim.   These little scraps of history are assembled in order (as best we can tell) to tell the story of the Bookmobile's last 70+ years of service.

The Mobile Branch - 70 Years of History


This History section is a work-in-progress.  While our records are incomplete, we continue to find new photographs in forgotten boxes in storage, or uncover newspaper articles on old Daily Record microfim.   These little scraps of history are assembled in order (as best we can tell) to tell the story of the Bookmobile's last 70+ years of service.

The original Wooster Bookmobile began service in 1940.  It was originally overseen by the County Extention Service, and primarily served centralized schools.  Books were shelved by grade.

Purchased at a cost of around $1,500, the 12'x7' storage area carried roughly 1,800 books.

The original Wooster Bookmobile began service in 1940.  It was originally overseen by the County Extention Service, and primarily served centralized schools.  Books were shelved by grade.

Purchased at a cost of around $1,500, the 12'x7' storage area carried roughly 1,800 books.

Not much is known about the bookmobile service between 1940-1958.  At least one other vehicle was obtained during this time, however we have been unable to find records or newspaper articles mentioning the purchase.

A GMC Bus is seen operating in this reel of 16mm film that was found in storage in the basement of the old Larwill Library.  According to notes on the tin, this film was recorded by a citizen of the village of Smithville, OH in approximately 1954.  Smithville was one of 26 stops serviced by the Wayne County Public Library Bookmobile.

Not much is known about the bookmobile service between 1940-1958.  At least one other vehicle was obtained during this time, however we have been unable to find records or newspaper articles mentioning the purchase.

A GMC Bus is seen operating in this reel of 16mm film that was found in storage in the basement of the old Larwill Library.  According to notes on the tin, this film was recorded by a citizen of the village of Smithville, OH in approximately 1954.  Smithville was one of 26 stops serviced by the Wayne County Public Library Bookmobile.

Built by Gerstenslager Body Co. in 1958, this third bookmobile was constructed at a cost of $14,000.  It was 24-feet long. This image, scanned from microfilm records of the Wooster Daily Record, is the only photo we can find of this vehicle.

Built by Gerstenslager Body Co. in 1958, this third bookmobile was constructed at a cost of $14,000.  It was 24-feet long. This image, scanned from microfilm records of the Wooster Daily Record, is the only photo we can find of this vehicle.