Books and crafts hit the road in Orrville with new Library on the Go van
Library on the Go is a project the Orrville Public Library kick off Thursday with the goal of encouraging summer reading by going out and meeting people where they are.
“The purpose of our new Library on the Go initiative is to increase our outreach opportunities by providing traditional literacy activities, technology training and services in a non-traditional manner," said Daphne Silchuk-Ashcraft, the library's director. "Taking resources out into the community is a wonderful way to engage both regular and new library users.”
The Library on the Go van will roam around the city in places like parks, schools and nursing homes to deliver books and crafts supplies for people of all ages.
“My hope is to eventually give away books like those free libraries,” Silchuk-Ashcraft said, noting there will be a note in the books saying people may "keep or share," or return them to the library.
The van will include art and craft packets that are ready to use.
First community stop will be the Fourth of July parade
The first event the van will participate in is during the annual Fourth of July parade on Wednesday.
“When the van is out in the community, staff will make stops where they will park, unload items needed for activities to be held at that location, outside of the vehicle,” Silchuk-Ashcraft said.
The cost of the project was $125,000, which included the van and start-up program supplies that were gathered by funds, grants and community donations and grants.
Watch for the red, black and white van stocked with books and more
The red, black and white sprinter designed by Farber Specialty Vehicles includes bookshelves and cabinets to keep the materials.
“It also works as a mobile hotspot, so if you see us out in the community stop by and connect to our free Wi-Fi,” Silchuk-Ashcraft said.
Library on the Go can be found on different days at Orrville City Schools, Orr Park, Orrville Area Boys and Girls Club, Wayne County YMCA -Orrville Branch, local nursing homes and assisted living facilities, day cares and preschools and community events.
The van will make rounds all year, except on days of bad weather.
Ashcraft-Silchuk said they don’t have a specific schedule, but eventually will have a schedule for the summer.
The ribbon-cutting Thursday took place in front of the parking lot of the library with Orrville City Council members, library trustees and community members present. It was followed by hot dogs, refreshments and cookies presented by the Orrville Public Library staff.
“It’s a great idea and a great addition to the library services,” Mayor Dave Handwerk said. “It’s always good to see projects happen the way they are supposed to, I know it’s been a project that they have been looking to do,” he said.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Orrville is behind the wheel for Library on the Go
