Categories: Stories

Looks Like An Old-Fashioned Truck, But These Striking Images Reveal Its True Importance

According to PBS, there were as many as 60 bookmobiles in operation. These bookmobiles primarily served impoverished communities, as it was thought that bookmobiles were an effective way to encourage literacy in poor areas.
YOUTUBE/NFSA FILMS
TUMBLR/BOOKMOBILE

 

The progress of the bookmobile was hindered during the 1930s and 1940s, according to PBS, but the 1950s saw a boom in bookmobiles. In 1956, the U.S. government enacted legislation to expand bookmobile services to ensure that tens of millions of people in rural areas had access to free books.
YOUTUBE/BRITISH MOVIETONE
Bookmobile programs were cut in some areas in the 1970s and 1980s due to high fuel prices. Bookmobiles didn’t fare any better from 1990 to 2003 when PBS estimated that there was a 20-percent decline in bookmobile services. Currently, according to American Libraries Magazine, there are about 900 bookmobiles in operation. These bookmobiles try to keep up with modern tastes and trends offering a variety of media such as DVDs, free Internet, video games and mobile classes for the community.
TUMBLR/BOOKMOBILE
Credits: Diyeverywhere
Share this story on Facebook with your friends.

Related:

Book Mobiles: Bringing the Library to You

15 Of The Most Iconic Cars Of The 70s

Previous 2 of 2

Show comments
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Reboot Officially Premieres In January

Chuck Norris once played the iconic Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger. The show is…

4 years ago

Here’s What Ralphie Parker And The Cast From ‘A Christmas Story’ Looks Like Now 2020

UPDATED 12/16/2020   If you can remember what it was like to want a Red…

4 years ago

‘National Lampoon Christmas Vacation’ Cast Then And Now 2020

“Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out…

4 years ago

Eddie Money’s Estate Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Eddie Money was a singer best known for songs such as “Take Me Home Tonight.”…

4 years ago

A Complete List Of Stores Closing By The End Of 2020

Sadly, the in-store shopping experience may be coming to an end for those who are…

4 years ago

Country Singer Alan Jackson Shows Off 41 Years Of Marriage With Wife, Denise

Country singer Alan Jackson recently celebrated his 41st wedding anniversary with his wife Denise. The…

4 years ago