Bookmobile
Schedule
To download the bookmobile schedule
click here
History
Established in 1905 as the first mobile library service in the
nation, the Washington County Free Library Bookmobile continues the proud
tradition of serving patrons who do not otherwise have access to library
services. The service is open to all citizens of Washington County, Maryland,
but the focus of the service is children and senior citizens.
Where does the bookmobile go?
We visit public, private and home schools, daycare centers for
children, adults and challenged individuals, nursing homes and retirement
communities as well as neighborhood and community stops.
What is on the bookmobile?
The bookmobile carries approximately 4000 books, large print
books, magazines and books on tape/cd. The collection is about 70% juvenile
material and 30% adult material. Patrons may also request material. The
bookmobile does not carry nor check out videos of any kind.
How does bookmobile service work?
The bookmobile visits stops once per month and books are
checked out until the following month. The bookmobile uses the same library
card as the rest of the library system.
What does the service cost?
Bookmobile service is free to residents of Washington County
(MD) and there are no fines on overdue materials. The bookmobile does charge
for lost materials.
How do I get a bookmobile stop?
Bookmobile stops are established on a first come, first served
basis according to schedule availability. To get a stop at your home or
neighborhood, you must agree to check out a minimum of 15 books per month and
there must be ample space for the bookmobile to turn around and park. If you
are interested in a stop, call, write or email the bookmobile department.
Is the bookmobile easily accessible?
The bookmobile has two doors with drop-down steps and sturdy
handrails. It also has a wheelchair lift.
What happens in bad weather?
If the snow emergency plan is in effect, the bookmobile does
not run. All books are renewed and there are no charges. The bookmobile will
visit again the following month. The bookmobile does not make up snow days.
Does the library offer outreach services?
Yes, the bookmobile staff services homebound patrons and
deposit sites throughout the county.
What is a homebound service?
It is a service for individual library patrons who cannot use
the main library or branches due to physical limitations, age or lack of
mobility. Patrons must agree to use only the bookmobile for library service.
Qualifying patrons are visited once per month with specially selected
materials. Visits are limited to 30 minutes.
What are deposit sites?
A deposit site is a location where a group of readers would
like books but the location is inaccessible to the bookmobile. A bookmobile
staff member packs a collection of books and delivers them to a pre-arranged
location within a facility. Locations that qualify include, but are not limited
to, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult daycare centers and
detention facilities
For further information about the Washington County Free
Library Bookmobile or its services, contact us at:
W.C.F.L. Bookmobile Service
100 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
301-739-3250 ext. 155
email:
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