If someone were to ask me what the next step in my career would be, I might humorously (or wishfully) respond with one word: retirement! That was before I learned of an opening for a bookmobile librarian. The brainchild of a co-director of an organization that operates a number of daycare centers and other community services, the library on wheels makes the rounds of the neighborhood where I live.
While I juggled my current schedule to accommodate that of the bookmobile in anticipation of being welcomed on board (pun intended), I began to think of this rather unexpected turn of events. Naturally, one thing that came to mind was Judy Sierra’s delightfully zany masterpiece, Wild About Books. What happens when a librarian drives her bookmobile into the zoo is guaranteed to tickle anyone’s funny bone.
Seriously, it is my husband’s and my wish that, in the very near future, I find myself on the book bus. Our income, which was significantly reduced when my full-time job was downsized to one day a week (but my readers have heard this story already!), will benefit. Perhaps we will be able to move closer to our eventual retirement goal.
As for the chance of the bookmobile winding up at the zoo? It’s good I won’t be the person driving.
Bookmobile
Booklovinggrandma's Blog 
Mar 07, 2014 @ 10:09:54
Kol hakavod! I’ve always wanted to be a bookmobile librarian. I always choke up at the end of ALA conventions when they have the parade of bookmobiles. Your community is most fortunate to have you in this important role — putting books in the hands of children and adults. Keep us posted on your adventures.
Rena Citrin
Mar 07, 2014 @ 15:05:23
You’re among the first to know: the co-director called me this morning (right after my husband said I should call her) and asked me to start next week. There’s a lot to learn; I’m not familiar with the automation system. My school hasn’t had the money to invest in one and the hardware that would be needed. I also need to brush up on what’s current in Jewish books (although that should not be too hard).
I’ll definitely write about life on a bookmobile. It’s interesting that, 38 years after getting my AMLS, I am finally doing what I would have loved to do from the beginning!
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a freilichen Purim.
Mar 07, 2014 @ 17:47:13
yasher koach. does this mean you will have to drive the bookmobile or will you leave that to your husband. may you be bentch with only good things in life. take care, shabbat shalom. perl
Mar 08, 2014 @ 21:50:51
Baruch Hashem, I won’t be driving the bookmobile. Anything bigger than a minivan is too big for me. My husband would probably love to drive it, but the driver is someone else who works for the parent organization. Thank you for your comment. Gut voch and a freilichen Purim. Basya
Mar 17, 2014 @ 16:05:04
Congratulations! You have fun and get paid too.