"Here Comes the Bookmobile!"
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Bookmobile service in Door County began as a three year "demonstration" in 1950. This experiment, designed by the Wisconsin Free Library Commission, set out with two Bookmobiles in the region.
The goal was to prove that a mobile library service provided critical value in the development of citizens as a provider of new ideas. It was often the only connection to the broader community for those living in rural areas deeply isolated (and often divided by) the geography of the Door County peninsula. |
Girls run to meet the Bookmobile
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Space was at a premium inside the Bookmobile
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The Door County Bookmobile was more than the rural public library, it quickly became an important tool connecting sheltered communities to each other and to the rest of the state. It provided popular novels, classics, children’s stories, and books in native languages for migrants. It also provided critical resources such as agricultural magazines, do it yourself manuals for farmers and homemakers, and books for those interested in business. A few more bookmobiles cycled through the years of Door County mobile library service before being replaced by cargo vans in 1990.
2014 |
Since being retired in 1989, the bookmobile sat on the property of local historian John Enigl. In 2014 the Egg Harbor Historical Society bought the Bookmobile, along with a library of historical books, documents, and recorded interviews with notable figures, from Mr. Enigl. The last remaining Door County Bookmobile awaits restoration.
2014-2022
The Egg Harbor Historical Society began to raise funds for the restoration project. Over $40,000 was raised to support the project moving forward. They also worked to raise awareness of this Door County icon and build partnerships with like minded organizations like the Heritage Alliance of Door County. Much research was completed and presentations were given throughout the county over the next several years. Promotion led to additional articles and stories being written on the project. Momentum was building... until March of 2020.
Today
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Egg Harbor Historical Society re-launched the "History on the Move" project to restore and transform this genuine, last remaining Door County Bookmobile. The new and revised mission and purpose of the Bookmobile focuses on education, history, and community. Some ideas generated on how this might be accomplished are below:
Education: Provide books to all children ages 5-7 who reside in or near Door County to foster a love of reading for young children.
History: Bring a significant piece of Door County history from the 1950’s - 1980’s back to life as a traveling exhibit to facilitate heritage-based programming.
Community: Partner with like-minded organizations such as the Door County Library System, Heritage Alliance of Door County, and Historical Societies, to promote the value of reading.
Exhibits will reveal the rich natural and cultural history within our communities, communities no longer isolated by geography, but
instead woven together with the vibrant threads of our shared heritage.
Education: Provide books to all children ages 5-7 who reside in or near Door County to foster a love of reading for young children.
History: Bring a significant piece of Door County history from the 1950’s - 1980’s back to life as a traveling exhibit to facilitate heritage-based programming.
Community: Partner with like-minded organizations such as the Door County Library System, Heritage Alliance of Door County, and Historical Societies, to promote the value of reading.
Exhibits will reveal the rich natural and cultural history within our communities, communities no longer isolated by geography, but
instead woven together with the vibrant threads of our shared heritage.
Do you remember the Bookmobile service?