Taking a look at the vintage bookmobiles folks relied on in the past really makes you think about how much has changed. While these mobile libraries still exist in some places, they certainly aren't they same source of excitement that they used to be.
These days, everyone has their entertainment waiting for them in their pocket — simply downloading a new game or even reading a book right there on a phone. Still, it's not quite the same as feeling the texture of the paper as you turn each page in a real book.
Back in the day, books were one of the few affordable entertainment options for kids and adults alike. It makes sense why they would get so excited seeing their local bookmobile roll down the block with a fresh new batch of stories — especially if they lived far out in the country without easy access to the more traditional library buildings.
Do you remember lining up for a vintage bookmobile like any of the ones below? Does the bookmobile still stop by in your town? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
1. 1930s Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Bookmobile
As part of the Work Projects Administration, these libraries brought a much-needed source of education and entertainment to folks across America.
2. 1950s Lake Macquarie Shire Bookmobile
This charming mobile library traveled around New South Wales, Australia, back in the day.
3. 1960s Kalamazoo Public Library Bookmobile
Kids didn't even mind trudging through the snow to pick out a book from this Michigan bus!
4. 1950s Beguildy Bookmobile
Just look at how happy these youngsters were in Wales to see the bookmobile drive up their street.
5. 1940s Tennessee Valley Bookmobile
You'd think kids crowding around a truck like this would be the ice cream man, but that just proves how amazing one good book can be!
6. 1960s Florida Keys Public Library Bookmobile
Members of the U.S. Navy at the Charlie Battery of the Sixth Missile Battalion kept themselves busy between drills thanks to this bookmobile.
7. 20th Century Indonesian Bookmobile
This photo from the National Museum of World Cultures shows how far and wide these moving libraries made it around the world.
8. 1940s New Mexico Bookmobile
Children in New Mexico waited in line for first dibs on the best books.
9. 1960s Orange County Public Library Bookmobile
The sun-kissed kids in this photo courtesy of Orange County Archives clearly spent their summer breaks getting lost in stories.
10. 1940s Army Education Service Bookmobile
Soldiers in Brisbane, Australia, scoped out all the best options available in their bookmobile.
11. 1920s Oregon Bookmobile
This little one couldn't wait before digging into the book she picked out!
12. 1930s North Carolina Bookmobile
It looks like they parked this moving library right outside the school so kids could get in line after class.
13. 1950s Anglesey Bookmobile
This Welsh gentleman was clearly a fan of reading when his town's bookmobile headed his way.
Did you have a bookmobile in your area growing up? Or have you seen them roaming still today? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
