History of the Bookmobile
First Bookmobile in 1968
The Pawtucket Public Library’s very first Bookmobile went on the road in February of 1968. Manufactured by the Gerstenslager Corporation in Ohio, it cost $16,000 and was painted a colorful orange and white. This first Bookmobile started out with 12 neighborhood stops.
Second Bookmobile in 1983The first bookmobile was replaced by a new heather green Gerstenslager in 1983
at a cost of $63,088. The vehicle measured 25’7” long, 9’6” wide and 10’6” high. At about the same time, the Bookmobile got a more permanent place to call home. As part of the 2.5 million library expansion project in the early 1980’s, an attached garage with shelving and office space was constructed within the original Sayles Library Building.
Second Bookmobile (repainted blue)
The 1983 bookmobile was painted a bright blue in the 1990’s and was the first
vehicle to use wireless technology (CDMA, CDPD, ENVO) to circulate materials
via the Internet. The vehicle had 25 stops on its Tuesday-Saturday schedule.
vehicle to use wireless technology (CDMA, CDPD, ENVO) to circulate materials
via the Internet. The vehicle had 25 stops on its Tuesday-Saturday schedule.
Third Bookmobile in 2006 to today
The 24-foot Coca-Cola red bookmobile has been on the road since April 26, 2006.
Custom-built by Moroney Body Works Inc of Worcester, it costs $102,000 and
can hold approximately 2,500-3,000 items.
