"Here Comes the Bookmobile!"
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Bookmobile service in Door County began as a two year "demonstration" in 1950. This experiment, designed by the Wisconsin Free Library Commission, set out with two Bookmobiles in the region and a goal to prove that mobile library services provided critical value in the development of citizens, as a provider of new ideas and often the only connection to the broader community for those living in rural areas deeply isolated (and often divided by) the geography of the peninsula.
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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. The bookmobile was also an extension of the rural schools and provided popular novels, classics, children’s stories and books in native languages for migrants, agricultural magazines, do it yourself manuals for farmers and homemakers and books for those interested in business, all to help bridge the literacy gap with the hopes of cooperation with and among the people of the region. A few more bookmobiles cycled through the years of Door County mobile library service before being replaced by cargo vans in 1990.
Since being retired in 1989, the bookmobile sat on the property of local historian John Enigl. In 2014 the historical society bought the Bookmobile, along with a library of historical books, documents, and recorded interviews with notable figures, from Mr. Enigl.
Since being retired in 1989, the bookmobile sat on the property of local historian John Enigl. In 2014 the historical society bought the Bookmobile, along with a library of historical books, documents, and recorded interviews with notable figures, from Mr. Enigl.
Now, in 2019 |
The last remaining Door County Bookmobile awaits restoration to give it a new purpose: delivering history to the people.
Let's Take History on the MoveThis year the Egg Harbor Historical Society will launch our "History on the Move" project, to restore and transform this genuine, last remaining Door County Bookmobile. We will begin a new form of Demonstration; to deliver to the people, authentic and immersive explorations in the regions history. Our goal: to engage, inspire and deepen connection to place through a series of rotational travelling exhibits, experiences and programs. 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? |
Join Us
Let's get history on the move
through an innovative approach to sharing heritage
History on the Move:
To explore and reveal the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Door Peninsula
through travelling exhibits, experiences and programs that provoke thought, broaden the
audience of history and deepen the connection of people to this place.
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Your tax deductible donation will work directly toward the restoration of an original Door County Bookmobile that will take history on the move with exhibits, artifacts, media and year-round programs and events. |