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Get Smart...Hunterdon County Bookmobile. |
 Hunterdon County library system's bookmobile makes its debut... RARITAN TOWNSHIP —The Hunterdon County library system unveiled its new bookmobile Wednesday in front of library headquarters at 314 Route 12. The old bookmobile has been retired after 18 years of service and was replaced by a modern, mobile library.
The new vehicle will be a much more efficient way to deliver books, DVDs and music CDs to smaller communities that lack traditional library buildings, according to library management.
Library authorities said that recent circulation figures show that bookmobile usage has increased during the past year by more than 45 percent even while the "bricks and mortar" library branches around the county saw their usage levels increase.
Aware that the old bookmobile was nearing the end of its lifetime, the library set aside money for the vehicle's replacement. The Hunterdon County Board of Freeholders approved the $158,548 purchase in 2007, and the job was awarded to OBS, Inc. of Canton, Ohio, which specializes in customizing large vehicles.
The library staff worked directly with OBS on the interior layout and design so the new vehicle would suit its purpose now and for many years to come. Staff graphics artist Jim Thatch modeled the exterior after the new library cards he recently designed. The graphics feature a huge "H" for Hunterdon and "Welcome" boldly written on the side of the branch-on-wheels to promote the library's mission to serve county residents.
The new bookmobile is expected to remain on display at library headquarters until it is placed into regular service at the end of November.
Walter O'Brien: 908-707-3163;
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Hunterdon County library system's bookmobile makes its debut
By WALTER O'BRIEN • Staff Writer • November 12, 2008
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