The launch last month of the Brunswick County Library System’s new bookmobile is providing residents with expanded access to books and other resources. The bookmobile, which is overseen and driven by Bookmobile Manager Katelyn Lenz, features multiple book collections, including children’s boardbooks, picture books, fiction, and non-fiction, as well as adult fiction, non-fiction, and large print.
“This new mobile library branch brings the wide variety of resources and services that we offer to the community,” said Library Director Patricia Dew. “I am excited to reach community members who may not be able to make it to one of our existing library branches.”
As a mobile library branch experience, the bookmobile plays an important role in bringing library services to underserved areas of the county and enriching the community with lifelong learning and entertainment. Via the bookmobile, community members can: get a library card; browse and check out materials; place materials on hold from other branches to be picked up at their bookmobile stop; return library materials; attend programs; and get assistance with online resources.
“We’re so excited that the new bookmobile will be able to reach people who haven’t been able to access a library recently,” said Heather Brown, Youth Services Specialist at Shallotte’s Rourk Branch library. “We’re such a large county, so meeting our community where they’re at is really important. The bookmobile will visit day-cares, senior centers, and do pop-up visits all over. It will really be serving as a traveling billboard for all of the services our libraries offer.”
Anyone who would like to use or check-out materials from the bookmobile is welcome to, but must have a valid Brunswick County Library card. Everyone who lives, works, goes to school, or owns property in Brunswick County is eligible for a free library card with proper identification. Temporary library cards are available to seasonal and part-time residents who are visiting for at least a month. To learn more about securing a library card, patrons can visit a local library branch in person or go to https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/169/Library-Cards.
In addition to the large variety of books, the bookmobile features access to free public Wi-Fi; book carts that can be removed for outdoor and off-site pop-up displays; and speakers wired to a public address system. To maximize comfort and accessibility for its patrons, the bookmobile has an ADA-compatible wheelchair lift, heating and air conditioning, and an awning to protect from sun and rain.
The April rounds of the bookmobile will include public and private facilities such as TerraBella Southport, Lockwood Folly District Park, Arbor Landing of Compass Pointe, Northwest District Park, Boiling Spring Lakes Community Center, Brunswick Cove Living Center, Town Creek District Park. Arbor Landing of Ocean Isle, The Brunswick Center at Calabash, Ocean Isle Beach Park, and various childcare facilities, among several others locations. To review the vehicle’s upcoming travel and schedule, go to https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/1066/Bookmobile.
Brunswick County Library purchased the bookmobile in 2024 from Matthews Specialty Vehicles in Greensboro, NC, for $293,320, using American Rescue Plan Act-enabled funds and funding from the county. Bookmobile planning, design, and modifications took place following its purchase, and it got on the road in March 2026.
Facilities and groups with special events that would like to be considered as future stops for the bookmobile must be located within the county and be without certain means to visit a library branch. Those who would like to suggest a potential bookmobile site can find a Bookmobile Interest Form at www.brunswickcountync.gov/.
