Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Sidney Public Library hires new employee; restarts Bookmobile program
Newest employee Heather Rohm restocks books before heading out on the SPL Bookmobile.
Nestled in the heart of our small town, the Sidney Public Library on 12th Avenue is home to thousands of books, magazines, DVDs, and more, with an adventure waiting for each patron who walks through the front door. Waiting behind the counter to give each excited reader a recommendation is Amanda Eastin, Library Director. It's been her goal to make the library and it's resources available to every citizen of the community, especially those unable to make it to the physical location. If you're imagining the convenience of a library on wheels you're in luck, this one has just that to offer.
This is where Heather Rohm, the newest librarian and Bookmobile driver, comes in. Previously employed with Lukjan, Eastin introduces Rohm as the smallest employee with the biggest job - driving the bus. They both share a laugh and continue to reminisce about memories already made on their Bookmobile excursions, including the time the bus served as a playground for a lost cat in Chappell. Rohm mentions how much she enjoys seeing the smiles on everyone's faces during her travels, and that "in home" stops are some of her favorites.
The Bookmobile program, one of eight in the state of Nebraska, was created with the intention of extending resources to patrons not able to commute to Sidney on a regular basis. Stops include daycares, preschools and nursing homes in the Sidney, Chappell, Potter, Dix, Gurley, Dalton and Lodgepole communities, with the goal of including even more stops in the near future. The service is also offered for FREE to those living in city limits who love to read but can no longer make it to the library. The only catch? You must have a library card.
The Bookmobile is now fundraising for a new vehicle that is more cost efficient, handicap accessible, and easier to maintain. The current model is a converted 1994 International School Bus that is costing more in repairs than the vehicle's worth. Eastin and Rohm have teamed up to submit grant applications to multiple sources, and are actively seeking donations from patrons and sponsors.
The library would also like to remind community members of its reading programs, one of which is on-going. The Teen & Adult Winter Reading Program began December 21st and ends March 19th, but there is still time to enter with a chance to win weekly prizes!
If you are wanting to make a donation to the Bookmobile fundraiser, please call the library at 308-254-3110. This is also the number to call to schedule Bookmobile stops and inquire about other services that are available.
Cheyenne County native, local business owner.
Reader Comments(0)