The South Interlake Regional Library’s newly renewed Bookmobile rolled into its first stops of the school year last week, marking the return of a service that has connected rural residents with books and literacy programs for more than five decades.
Bookmobile branch manager Pam Palcat stands beside the South Interlake Regional Library’s newly wrapped, brightly coloured Bookmobile as it returns to the road for the new school year
Bookmobile branch manager Pam Palcat said she was thrilled to be back on the road. Her last school visit was in May, and staff have spent the months since preparing the revamped unit for its debut.
“We’ve had so many people stop in just to take a look and say hi,” Palcat said. “Seeing their reactions to the Bookmobile — the smiles, the excitement — it’s been amazing.”
The South Interlake Regional Library has operated Bookmobile service since 1968, beginning with a used milk truck before transitioning through a series of buses and now a Freightliner equipped with modern technology and wheelchair access. Today, the Bookmobile serves communities in the RM of Rockwood, RM of Rosser, RM of St. Laurent, Town of Teulon and Town of Stonewall. It runs four to five days per week, visiting or delivering to about 30 locations every three weeks. Library staff estimate the service receives between 1,400 and 1,500 visits each month. The Bookmobile also offers Storytime programming at four stops each cycle and continues to provide delivery service to locations the unit cannot reach.
The goal of the Bookmobile remains the same as when it first hit the road: enhancing literacy and access for South Interlake residents. “Our mission is to enhance communities through literacy by providing innovative, accessible and dynamic library services,” Palcat said.
Junior chapter books and children’s picture books remain the most popular items borrowed during stops, but the collection extends far beyond that. Patrons can browse English and French books for all ages, large-print titles, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles, disc golf kits and even radon testing kits. If an item isn’t available on board, staff can request it from another branch for the next visit.
Demand and circulation have changed dramatically since 1968. Palcat said everything was once done manually, but computer systems now allow faster checkouts and larger borrowing limits. The new Bookmobile’s wheelchair lift has been particularly well received, opening access to more residents — especially seniors and people living with mobility barriers. Staff also visit seniors’ complexes and offer delivery services where needed.
“Our unpredictable Manitoba weather and road conditions can be challenging,” Palcat said. “But being able to reach people who may not otherwise visit a library branch makes it worthwhile.”
The Bookmobile is funded by the Town of Teulon, Town of Stonewall, RM of Rosser, RM of St. Laurent, RM of Rockwood and the Province of Manitoba. The renewal project was supported by numerous community partners, including Rockwood Wrecking and Recovery, the Stonewall Teulon Tribune, Stonewall & District Lions Club, Teulon & Area Lions Club, Interlake Community Foundation and the Friends of the Library. “Many people helped plan, build and launch the renewed Bookmobile,” Palcat said. “We truly appreciate each and every one of them.”
Like many non-profits, the library continues to welcome volunteers and new members for its Friends of the Library group, which supports programming across all branches.
For Palcat, the most memorable moments of the first week were the small, heartfelt interactions — the honks and waves from drivers passing by, the hugs from patrons who had missed the Bookmobile, and the excitement of children discovering the bright new wrap. “The comments, the smiles, the feeling of being welcomed back — that’s the icing on the cake,” she said.
With strong early turnout and a growing collection, the renewed Bookmobile is poised to continue its long legacy of connecting rural residents with books, programs and community spirit. “My hope is that families and residents will continue to visit and enjoy the services we provide,” Palcat said. “We’re so happy to be back on the road.”
