Burma Relief: Where to send your donations

As the scope of the tragic loss of life in Burma is becoming more evident, you may wish to make a contribution to relief efforts. Interaction provides a list of organizations planning Burma relief efforts. While there, take the time to look at their "guide to responsible giving."

Wild Thing, Hold Me Tight

You Know You've Had a Busy Stop When...

Wild Thing feels right at home in the Bookmobile

The warehouse where we park is strangely, deathly quiet this morning. The light from the overhead florescent bulb flickers. Is that a thump? A moan? Coming from the bookmobile? Do I dare open the door? Yes, I do! Careful, now. Careful. Aaugh!





Oh, You again. Wild Thing try to behave.

Don't miss your chance to see Wild Thing this month @ your local public library

Ingenius Amish

I was running late and hoping to make up some time. Traffic had slowed to a crawl. What on earth was going on? Finally, the long line of traffic ahead of me cleared and I could see what the hold up was. A buggy with a box at least the size of a queen sized mattress strapped on top. Trust me, I wasn't the only one gawking. My camera was handy to I snapped this pic while waiting for my chance to pass. (I do not recommend this for non-professionals!)

Yesterday, the was a picture I did not get and wish I had. A curious parade pulled into the lane where we were parked. Leading the way was Sadie on a scooter. Behind her was her husband in a motorized wheel chair. Hitched to the chair was a wagon in which a little boy and a little white dog happily rode. On the back of the wagon was attached a "slow moving vehicle" triangle. I asked Sadie if her husband would have trouble pulling the wagon back up the hill. She just laughed, "oh, he's pulled much bigger wagons up that hill already!"

John J. is 95

Bookmobile customer, John J., recently turned 95. I'm impressed but he isn't. His comment: "Whoop-de-doo, I lost a screw!" The bookmobile had a special birthday gift for John J. All the books he cared to borrow, for free! You can come by anytime for your special birthday gift, too. We wish John a great year!

Spring Cleaning

Thanks for your help li'l friend.

If that doesn't work for you check out some of our spring cleaning titles.

Organic housekeeping : in which the nontoxic avenger shows you how to improve your health and that of your family while you save time, money, and, perhaps, your sanity / written and illustrated by Ellen Sandbeck.






The Queen of Clean Conquers Clutter by Linda Cobb

Meet Ms. Joan

We've been busy. With the gracious support of the county commissioners, the bookmobile schedule will be expanding its services this year to Saturdays and evenings. In February, Ms. Joan joined our team of happy bookmobilers to help carryout the expansion. Besides bringing a steady hand to the wheel, Ms. Joan brings with her years of experience as an educator and a passion for people and for reading. We think she's a natural.

View From My Window

Flying the Amish Flag

View From My Window

Historic homes on the town square in Marietta, PA. See the Bookmobile there on the 3rd Wednesday of each month starting at 2:15 p.m.

A Funny Thing Happened ...

One of our practical challenges is when and where to use the bathroom. One day at a local Head Start center, we were at the end of a very busy morning of hosting 6 consecutive read aloud story times. I guess I had a little too much coffee that day because I was in urgent need of a restroom and went inside for some relief.

It just so happened that on the same day, the police were visiting the center with one of their dogs, a German Shepard, to show the kids. So, there I was, minding my own business in the men's room of the center, when the door opens and in walks the officer and the dog.

I didn’t think too much of it, until I heard a growl, and felt the muzzle of the dog between my legs. The officer says, “Stay calm. Don’t move.”

“Don’t worry officer, I’m not going anywhere," I respond, stomach firmly in throat.

The officer says to the dog, (I hope), “No! Out! Down!” The dog growls, apparently not wanting to give it up. The officer says to me. “Just lift up your hands real slow where the dog can see them, and then turn around.”

“Is it ok if I zip up first?” I ask.

“Don’t make any sudden moves,” says the officer, so softly I can barely hear him above sound of my heart pounding in my ears.

“Officer, maybe you should put a leash on your dog before I do anything." My voice is a submissive whine.

“He won’t bite you,” replies the officer. "He would've already if that's what he intended."

“You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t take your word on that. I’m feeling a little vulnerable here,” I say.

The officer finally managed to control his dog and apologized. “I don’t know what got into Rex,” he said, “ I guess you looked like a criminal standing there facing the wall like that.”

I think Rex just has something against Bookmobile guys.

FAQ - How do you keep your feet warm?

Anyone who has ever spent a winter's day on a Bookmobile knows that keeping your feet warm is a challenge. The thin flooring material and carpet are no match for cold temps and a howling wind, even with the heat blasting. In fact, the bookmobile itself can be quite comfortable, but it is still nearly impossible to keep your feet warm. Unless, that is, you know an old Amishman's trick. Plastic bags. If you just can't get warm, take off your shoes, slip some plastic bags over your feet and put your shoes back on. Bread sacks work great, but any old plastic bag will work in a pinch. If you are fashion conscious, take a scissors and trim the bag off at the top of your shoe like Becky has done in the photo below.

View From My Window

Chickies Rock County Park overlooking the Susquehanna River. A great place to have lunch, just west of Columbia.

Wreck of the Bookmobile - Antsy McClain

Bookmobile Rocks the British Empire

The Uncommon Reader: a Novella
by Alan Bennett
reviewed by Becky

What happens when Queen Elizabeth II follows her errant corgis onto a bookmobile parked near the palace kitchen? Why, one feels compelled by protocol to check out a book, of course. One book leads to another, and soon Her Majesty has enlisted Norman, the kitchen boy, as her reader’s advisor. So begins a tale of royal awakening with surprising outcomes. Told with wit and a taste of queen-speak this novella will delight bookmobilers and all readers who have found their lives enriched by books.

This book is now available at the Bookmobile.