Like many Alaskans, BOB the Bookmobile is ready to hibernate for the winter. But what a great summer BOB and volunteers from the Friends of the Homer Public Library had!

Starting with spring visits to Homer area elementary schools, the bookmobile spent many hours at various venues throughout the summer: Karen Hornaday Park, Homer High soccer fields, The Center Clubhouse and numerous Storytimes.

BOB was a participant in the Fourth of July parade, with volunteers handing out books to eager young readers lining Pioneer Avenue. In September, BOB once again visited elementary schools. Boxes of books were also sent to remote schools whose students couldn’t be in Homer.

Despite the welcome participation of many families with BOB and other library programs for children, some misconceptions remain. Unlike bookmobile programs adults might remember from their own childhoods, BOB’s books are not checked out like those in the library itself.

Each child, teen, or adult who visits BOB is given one book per visit. Because the bookmobile is stocked almost exclusively with donated books, any books that are returned are welcomed and are put back on the shelves for others to enjoy. (Some books of high interest with young readers are graphic novels, books about fairies, animals, dinosaurs and trucks.)

A good number of BOB’s books have been donated by families whose children have outgrown them. Book drives at various Homer schools also provide many volumes for BOB’s shelves. A small replica of BOB is parked in the entry of the library, and kids’ book donations can be dropped in that.

There are lots of ways to support this fun and educational program. Bring your kids to sporting events where BOB is parked, donate books no longer in use, and notify the Friends if you would like to volunteer to help drive BOB or help hand out books to eager young readers. It’s fun!

The Friends of the Homer Public Library are counting on the people of Homer to help keep BOB on the road and stocked with exciting books!

Lin Hampson, former Homer High School guidance counselor, has been on the board of the Friends of the Homer Public Library for two years. She enjoy’s driving the bookmobile and helping children find the perfect book.