New and Improved: Nova Scotia’s only custom-made Bookmobile is Ready to Roll

A new, more accessible bookmobile is officially hitting the road this week in Lunenburg and Queens Counties, continuing almost 50 years of service to the region. 

The custom-made, Canadian built bookmobile replaces an older model retrofitted school bus that served the area for more than 10 years, crisscrossing the two-county service area accumulating close to 300,000 kilometers.  Like its older predecessor, the new bookmobile is the only one of two in operation across Nova Scotia and the only one that is custom-made.

“During the last year and a half, our priority has been providing safe service during the pandemic,” said Troy Myers, Chief Librarian.  “This has meant getting books and other library materials to our bookmobile patrons at times on a modified schedule and with fewer people on board.  We are thrilled to be back on track with full service and being able to welcome users on board the new Bookmobile this summer is extra special for us all.”

Instead of a modified bus, the new bookmobile is put together from the chassis up, specifically designed for serving library borrowers. It was built by Intercontinental Truck and Body, based in Coaldale, Alberta. New features on the new bookmobile include:

“Anybody stepping aboard the new Bookmobile will notice not only the bright and inviting interior, lit by LED lights and natural light, but also rows of shiny new books, DVDs, magazines, audiobooks and more for all ages,” added Myers.  “The new Bookmobile will help us better fulfill our mission at South Shore Public Libraries to celebrate reading, discovering, learning and sharing.” 

A special welcoming event for the new Bookmobile will be held Thursday, August 5, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.  It will take place on Route 3 in Mahone Bay – in front of the famous “Three Churches” – with all public health measures in effect.  The Bookmobile’s regular hours of operation in Mahone Bay for Thursday remain 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

To find out when the Bookmobile is visiting a community near you in August and September, check the bookmobile schedule on the South Shore Public Libraries website: https://www.southshorepubliclibraries.ca/libraries/