Before Dakota County communities, including Eagan, Minnesota, had a library of its own, residents received library services from the bookmobile shown at the Cedarvale Shopping Center.
East Central Regional Library's last bookmobile. Purchased in 1996 for $103,000, it was the first new bookmobile in 20 years. It was built on a Bluebird bus chassis, held 3,500 items, had an onboard generator and a lift for accessibility, and it featured an ""air ride."" East Central Regional Library ended bookmobile services in May 2009. Founded in 1959, ECRL is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
In 1986, the box from a previous East Central Regional Library bookmobile was mounted on a new truck frame. Because the lights and heat ran off the alternator, it did not run during the coldest months. Nevertheless, it logged 298,000 miles during its service. Founded in 1959, is the oldest existing regional public library system in Minnesota. Headquartered in Cambridge, it is a consolidated library system with 14 libraries and Outreach Services and serves residents in Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties.
"This 1962 Hennepin County Library Bookmobile, one of two serving the 500 square mile area of rural and suburban Hennepin County, replaces a 1950 bookmobile. Carring 3000 volumes, it travels 1000 miles a month, serving over 6000 families, supplementing services of 23 county branch libraries."
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
ThIs Hennepin County Library bookmobile was displayed at the Hopkins County Fair, Aug. 15-18, 1940. It is shown parked with a display case of reading materials set up alongside it.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
A caption attached to this photo reads: "The lilbrary goes to the county -- Through the Hennepin Couty Library, 23 branches, 14 stations and 86 schools also receive library service in addition to the 300 neighborhood stops."
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library