There is a campaign afoot in Arlington Heights to raise money to purchase a new bookmobile, and local residents are taking notice. Called “Fuel a Love of Reading,” it got underway Saturday.
Foundation members Lauree Harp, left, and Carolyn Nopar help Robert Quinn order an ornament.
Loree Harp, founder and chair of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation, pledged $150,000 from the foundation toward the new purchase, and by Saturday she had raised $101,000, or more than 65% of the goal.
The rest she hopes to raise through donations and the sale of limited edition holiday ornaments, featuring an image of the bookmobile on them. Foundation members debuted the new ornaments Saturday at the Arlington Heights Farmer’s Market. These ornaments also may be ordered at the reference desk in the library. Cost is $25, with $15 from each sale going to the bookmobile campaign.
“Oh, my gosh, I love this,” said Margo Quinn as she approached the display. “We’re big fans of the bookmobile.”
Foundation members positioned their display in front of the bookmobile, where a gaping hole from rust, just above one of the wheels, was clearly visible. In addition, library officials say its underbody is filled with rust.
Limited edition bookmobile ornament
“Though the exterior of the current bookmobile looks new, it’s actually rusting out,” Harp says. “It is 16 years old and needs significant repairs each year, which take the bookmobile off the road and away from our community.”
While the Library had budgeted for a new bookmobile, the price has doubled over the last few years, Harp says, increasing from $300,000 to $600,000. Consequently, raising money for its replacement is exactly why the foundation exists: to provide additional funds to finance library projects, and ultimately help in promoting lifelong learning.
“The bookmobile provides a vital service by bringing books directly to communities, especially those who may face mobility or transportation challenges,” says Mike Driskell, Executive Director of the library. “The bookmobile allows us to create a more inclusive library experience and ensures everyone can develop a love of reading and learning.”
Over the last five years, the bookmobile has drawn more than 100,000 visitors, who checked out more than 270,000 materials. It regularly makes 27 stops across Arlington Heights, with an additional 70 seasonal stops throughout the year, including farmer’s markets, neighborhood block parties, and story time in the park events.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library bookmobile
The campaign received a lead gift from Arlington Heights residents Renee and Tom Schwingbeck and substantial donations from Wendy Davis, the Dungan Family Foundation, Anisha Jogee and Sajid Patel, and Village Bank & Trust. The foundation continues to seek both large and small online donations to support the ongoing bookmobile campaign. Make a donation, here.
“We believe the library enhances our community and makes Arlington Heights a desirable place to live,” Harp says. “By supporting this campaign, you are supporting our community and our residents, including the next generation of learners and readers, who we hope will choose to remain in and contribute to this amazing community.”
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