NOLS strives to offer equitable and accessible services to all community members, and has prioritized this value in the 2021-2023 Strategic Initiatives.
NOLS is expanding library services to include a Bookmobile in order to increase library awareness, access, and use among Clallam County residents through additional outreach. Established routes for the service will be added in late 2023.
NOLS has a service population of 75,000 residents spread out over a large geographic area that covers many remote locations in Clallam County. Providing residents, regardless of their location, with access to information they might not otherwise have is a critical part of the Library’s role in the community.
Because of the County’s remoteness, large geographic area, and economic instability, amplifying high-quality library services can be cost-prohibitive. NOLS can utilize its many community partnerships to allow access to as many people as possible via the Bookmobile.
In late 2023, the Bookmobile will make regular stops throughout the county and external book drops will be available at various locations. As soon as Summer 2023, the Bookmobile will be at special community events. Promoting library services at community events, through community partners and their bases, and NOLS’ strong communications and social media presence, positions NOLS to connect resources and needs throughout Clallam County while fostering relationships between school districts, and other community agencies.
According to “West End Travels of the Bookmobile,” library Bookmobile service in Clallam County began in 1949. The Bookmobile did daily runs throughout the county in all types of weather. Bookmobile service was used for many years from East End to West End to provide library materials, connection in more rural areas, and browsing opportunities. The Bookmobile delivered to personal residences, business hubs, and public locations. Materials were delivered on a set schedule so people knew to anticipate delivery and pick up events on specific days and times.
One of the stops was the Joyce General Store, a possible stop for a new route. Other stops included: the Clallam Bay, Royal, Beaver, and Sekiu schools; tree farms; and a lighthouse. Three Sisters, Lake Ozette, Neah Bay, Lake Crescent, and Sappho were all served.
When the Bookmobile was retired, it became the original Clallam Bay Library. Library services and programs were available on the Bookmobile until a physical building became a reality for the Clallam Bay community.
NOLS strives to offer equitable and accessible services to all community members, and has prioritized this value in the 2021-2023 Strategic Initiatives.
NOLS is expanding library services to include a Bookmobile in order to increase library awareness, access, and use among Clallam County residents through additional outreach. Established routes for the service will be added in late 2023.
NOLS has a service population of 75,000 residents spread out over a large geographic area that covers many remote locations in Clallam County. Providing residents, regardless of their location, with access to information they might not otherwise have is a critical part of the Library’s role in the community.
Because of the County’s remoteness, large geographic area, and economic instability, amplifying high-quality library services can be cost-prohibitive. NOLS can utilize its many community partnerships to allow access to as many people as possible via the Bookmobile.
In late 2023, the Bookmobile will make regular stops throughout the county and external book drops will be available at various locations. As soon as Summer 2023, the Bookmobile will be at special community events. Promoting library services at community events, through community partners and their bases, and NOLS’ strong communications and social media presence, positions NOLS to connect resources and needs throughout Clallam County while fostering relationships between school districts, and other community agencies.
According to “West End Travels of the Bookmobile,” library Bookmobile service in Clallam County began in 1949. The Bookmobile did daily runs throughout the county in all types of weather. Bookmobile service was used for many years from East End to West End to provide library materials, connection in more rural areas, and browsing opportunities. The Bookmobile delivered to personal residences, business hubs, and public locations. Materials were delivered on a set schedule so people knew to anticipate delivery and pick up events on specific days and times.
One of the stops was the Joyce General Store, a possible stop for a new route. Other stops included: the Clallam Bay, Royal, Beaver, and Sekiu schools; tree farms; and a lighthouse. Three Sisters, Lake Ozette, Neah Bay, Lake Crescent, and Sappho were all served.
When the Bookmobile was retired, it became the original Clallam Bay Library. Library services and programs were available on the Bookmobile until a physical building became a reality for the Clallam Bay community.
Winter 2021
• Bids for a new custom vehicle were requested. The winning bidder was TechOps Speciality Vehicles.
Winter/Spring 2022
• Applications were requested for the Bookmobile exterior graphic art. In March 2022, Matthew Fleming Illustration & Design was selected.
Fall 2022 through Summer 2023
• NOLS staff will create and refine procedures for Library pop-ups and Bookmobile operations.
• NOLS will start to provide Library pop-ups and attend community-based events.
Fall/Winter 2023
• Bookmobile Outreach Services will officially launch with a collection of library materials to borrow.
• Routine routes will be established and start to be utilized (locations TBD). Ongoing assessment of the services and routes will continue to amplify positive customer experiences.
The cost to purchase and customize the Bookmobile vehicle is approximately $174,000. Additional capital funds will support project equipment, including book returns.
NOLS is grateful for the contributions of generous grantors and donors for supporting the Bookmobile project and helping to make an impact on our community. Learn how to make a donation.
- Funding for the Bookmobile is supplemented by $76,000 through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant provided through the Washington State Library (WSL) and the Institution of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
- The North Olympic Library Foundation has pledged a $7,500 donation toward the Bookmobile.
- The Port Angeles Friends of the Library has donated $5,000 on behalf of member Natalie Spiegel for a book return.
Matthew Fleming, a Sequim-based illustrator and graphic designer, created the exterior graphics for the Bookmobile. He creates artwork for musicians (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Dave Matthews Band, The Avett Brothers), events, podcasters, breweries, and more. You may have seen logos he designed for the Lefties baseball team and Bourbon West in Port Angeles.
The Bookmobile graphics were inspired by his earliest memories of libraries—yes, he traveled there by a wagon pulled lovingly by his mom!—and the variety of ways they’re used by the diverse members of our community.
Follow Matthew on Instagram @matthewjay and visit his website at www.matthewjayfleming.com.
Download and print a Bookmobile template, then cut along the edges to create one piece. Fold, tuck and glue the tabs to make your own mini Bookmobile!
Adult assistance may be required.
NOLS welcomes feedback regarding the Bookmobile project. Please reach out to bookmobile@nols.org with any comments or suggestions.