Konstantin Vengerowsky/Clarendon Citizen
Mobile library celebrates four years and counting
Riding Clarendon’s streets and highways since 2006, Patricia Ragin and Elaine Gerow take no prisoners as they hit more than 15 different locations on a monthly basis. But don’t worry, ‘cause they’re only armed with books, DVDs and movies.
Think library-on-wheels.
For the past four years the Harvin Clarendon County Mobile Library has traveled throughout this region reaching everyone from Manning to Summerton, Turbeville and Paxville. Not everyone has the luxury to travel to the county seat to check out a book, movie or DVD. And thanks to the mobile library, they don’t have to.
Each location gets at least two stops a month, but there may be more depending on the needs of the area.
For example, Turbeville, located about 20 miles north of Manning, gets about 10 visits a month, at four different locations.
Since July 2006, the mobile library has had 631 visits, and 325 people are registered users of it.
“I think it is one of the most vital services that our county offers,” said Pat Goodwin, Turbeville Town Administrator. “Everyone from the administration on down uses it.”
The process works exactly the same as going to the library.
You come in, find what you like, and using your library card, check it out. Two weeks later when the bookmobile comes rolling around again, you can return what you checked out.
Step inside and you’ll find shelves on either sides filled with all types of books including audio books, as well as videos and DVDs. Computers are available for typing, printing and searching the Internet.
It might look small from the outside, but this miniature library has plenty of space.
“I like it. It’s nice. There’s enough room to move about without feeling crowded,” said Terry Logan, who lives near the Lane’s Shopping Center stop.
Mobile libraries’ contribution to public life is recognized on April 14, as National Bookmobile Day, which is part of the National Library Week.
County Library Director Marilyn Tsirigotis said that the mobile library will have book giveaways as part of the celebration, and that she is going to ask the County Council to proclaim April 14 as National Bookmobile Day in Clarendon County.
To find a mobile library stop nearest to you, call the county library at 435-8633 or stop by the library, located at 215 North Brooks Street in Manning to pickup a schedule.
“Knowledge is power,” said Tsirigotis. “And by the mobile library, we are able to spread that knowledge throughout the whole county.”
