Photo courtesy Hays Public Library
By LAURA DANIEL
Tiger Media Network
The Hays Public Library is taking its resources on the road as the Bookmobile travels to neighborhoods and nearby communities, offering residents a convenient way to check out books, movies and more without visiting the main library building.
The traveling library, packed with materials for all ages, provides access to fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs and Blu-ray videos, along with the ability to sign up for a library card and use free WiFi. This week’s public stops included Sunrise Park on Monday and Centennial Towers on Wednesday. The Bookmobile will be at the Ellis Estates buildings from 1-4:00 p.m. on Thursday and at the Victoria City Park on Saturday.
“The bookmobile is one of the outreach services provided by the Hays Public Library,” said HPL Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny. “It is a way to take the library into different parts of the community.”
Kolacny explained that the Bookmobile travels to a wide variety of locations.
“By visiting nursing homes, assisted living facilities, daycares, parks, schools and community events, the bookmobile provides easy access to books and videos,” she said.
The mobile collection is designed to appeal to readers and viewers of all ages.
“The bookmobile has books and movies for all ages,” Kolacny said. “There are fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs and videos on Blu-ray.”
Anyone with a Hays Public Library card can check out materials during a Bookmobile stop. For those who do not yet have a card, registration is available on-site.
“The bookmobile is equipped to sign patrons up with a library card,” Kolacny said. “All you need to get a card is a photo ID and proof of your current address.”
In addition to lending materials, the Bookmobile also offers internet access.
“The bookmobile is equipped with WiFi, so anyone on or near the vehicle can tap into it and use that resource,” Kolacny said.
Public stops in Hays and Victoria are announced through the library’s website and social media pages, though some visits — such as those to nursing homes and daycares — are not open to the general public.
Kolacny said the Bookmobile plays a unique role in expanding access to library services.
“The bookmobile allows the library to share its resources with a wider audience,” she said. “Families playing at a park can pop in, or seniors, who can’t visit the library building, still have access to a variety of books.”
She added that the vehicle includes a lift, making it handicap accessible.
By bringing books, movies and digital access directly to neighborhoods, the Hays Public Library’s Bookmobile continues to ensure that library resources remain available to all members of the community, no matter where they are.