Published 8/4/25

The Bookmobile is Back!

If you are old enough, you might remember the Bookmobile rolling up on summer days. Its appearance in neighborhoods was a welcome sight for kids in both urban and rural locations. Kids could check out books, chat with the driver, and meet up with neighborhood friends. If you don’t remember bookmobiles, you might wonder, “What is a bookmobile?” A Bookmobile is a mobile library that comes right to the people who need it, in neighborhoods and underserved areas.

Updated for Modern Users

The bookmobile is no longer just books. St. Clair County Library Director, Allison Arnold, said in an email interview, “Bringing a bookmobile back to our community has been a long-standing goal of the Library System. It was a key promise made during our 2022 millage campaign and an important part of our strategic plan to expand access to library services throughout St. Clair County. Thanks to the confidence and support of our residents, this vision is now becoming a reality.”

Ms. Arnold said that the bookmobile will carry approximately 3,000 items, including books for all ages, games, and activities. It will also serve as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, offering free internet access to help close the digital divide in underserved areas.

All You Need is a Library Card

Ms. Arnold said that the Library System has appointed Mr. Andrew Kercher as the Bookmobile Branch Lead, and that he will be joined by a dedicated team focused solely on delivering mobile library services. Just like when accessing books and other resources at a library building, everything is free, and all you need is a library card, which is also free and easy to obtain.

Community Connection

This isn’t your grandma’s Bookmobile. While books are the main attraction, there will also be other materials and a chance for people to use the internet to get things done that may not be able to otherwise complete. Arnold said that the bookmobile is really a mobile library branch. It will be rolling up to schools, senior centers, community partners, and local events across the county. A regular schedule of stops is in the works, and the Bookmobile can be requested for specific locations and events.

Ms. Arnold said, “The return of the bookmobile is more than just a nod to the past—it’s a strategic investment in the future of library service in St. Clair County. During our planning process, we heard from the community that expanded, equitable access to library resources and services is a top priority. This bookmobile allows us to meet that demand, connect with more people, and serve our county more effectively than ever before.”

Ribbon-Cutting August 21 at 11 a.m.

The public is invited to the ribbon-cutting for the Bookmobile at 11:00 a.m. on August 21st at the Main Library in Downtown Port Huron.

Story by Jennie McClelland for BlueWaterParent.com