San Andreas, CA…In honor of the first-ever bookmobile coming to Calaveras County later this summer, he Calaveras County Board of Supervisors unanimously proclaimed April 17 as National Bookmobile Day in the county. (for full proclamation, see below).  The bookmobile will serve as a resource to county residents, especially to those who live in areas without a library branch. The state-of-the-art Mercedes Sprinter van is wheel chair accessible, equipped with HVAC and has wifi access as well as a public computer.

Services offered through the bookmobile are the same as those offered in every branch: literacy programs, programming for students and parents, health and mental health resources, physical fitness programs like yoga, senior services, safety instruction and much more. “This is more than a van filled with books. It is a treasure chest of services and activities for Calaveras County,” commented County Librarian Nancy Giddens.

Major funding for the bookmobile came from a grant by the California State Library, which also included other programming for early learners. A condition of the grant is that one-third of the cost and maintenance of the van come from residents and businesses within the county. The Friends of the Calaveras County Library are spearheading the fundraising effort. “We need to raise almost $100,000,” said Pru Starr, chairman of the fundraising committee. “But this is a much needed benefit for our small county. We expect people and businesses will be generous, especially after so many of us have been isolated for so long,” Starr continued. All donations are matched up to $500 and those over $500 are matched two to one.

When the bookmobile arrives it will be taken on tour of the county, so that residents may experience first hand all the resources it will offer. The librarian will reach out to organizations and schools to schedule a visit when the bookmobile goes on the road.

There are various ways to donate. For more information call 209-754-6701.

• Online at www.friendsofcclibrary.org
• Mailing checks to P.O. Box 1552 San Andreas, CA 95249
• Dropping checks or cash into the donation jars at any library branch
• Via GoFundMe on the Friends of the Calaveras Library Facebook page
• Sponsorship packages are also available online at www.friendsofcclibrary.org

A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF APRIL 12-17, 2021 AS NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK AND APRIL 17TH AS NATIONAL BOOKMOBILE DAY IN CALAVERAS COUNTY

WHEREAS, libraries of all types are at the heart of their cities, towns, schools, and campuses, serving their communities;

WHEREAS, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging and community, offering free resources to all;

WHEREAS, today’s libraries and their services extend far beyond the four walls of a building, including delivering services through Bookmobiles serving as mobile branch libraries;

WHEREAS, for people lacking broadband at home, libraries provide access to computers and robust wi-fi 24/7 inside and outside;

WHEREAS, libraries strive to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as diverse as the populations they serve and ensure equity of access for all;

WHEREAS, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs;

WHEREAS, in times of crisis, libraries, librarians, and library workers play an invaluable role in supporting their communities both in person and virtually;

WHEREAS, to adapt to our changing world, libraries are expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their patrons;

WHEREAS, libraries are cornerstones of democracy, promoting the free exchange of information and ideas for all;

WHEREAS, libraries have long served as trusted and treasured institutions for all members of the community regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic status;

WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, and library workers are joining library supporters and advocates across the nation to celebrate National Library Week;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors that April 12-17, 2021 is National Library Week, and April 17,2021 as National Bookmobile Dayin celebration of the Mobile Branch Library coming to Calaveras County this year. This week, we encourage you to visit the library, explore what’s new, engage with library staff and volunteers and use our library’s print, digital and online resources and services. Be a part of the transformation of our community by using your Library.