Award-winning bookmobile brings library to communities
Submitted Photo Paula Nett and Chole Brooks stand in front of the Ward County Public Library Bookmobile.
Submitted Photo Artwork is displayed on the Ward County Public Library Bookmobile.
Submitted Photo Paula Nett and Chole Brooks stand in front of the Ward County Public Library Bookmobile.
Submitted Photo Artwork is displayed on the Ward County Public Library Bookmobile.
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The seven-Wheelie-award-winning Ward County Public Library Bookmobile, driven by Chole Brooks and Paula Nett, visits schools around Ward and Mountrail counties.
The mobile library, operated by the Ward County Public Library, was established in 1960 and is currently on its seventh vehicle. It services both Ward and Mountrail counties. It was set up after receiving a bookmobile and 32,000 dollars in grant money from the Aid to Libraries Act.
The bookmobile began serving Mountrail County in September of 1981
All stops are open to the public as well as to the host facilities. Throughout 2026 and 2027, the vehicle will stop at local schools and churches in Surrey, Burlington, Makoti, Ryder, Douglas, Sawyer, Nedrose, Berthold and Carpio, Parshall, Plaza, Tande's farm, Lostwood, Stanley, Palermo, Blaisdell, White Earth, Ross and Tagus. Schedule updates will be posted on the library's social media pages.
Its exterior art designed by a Surrey student, the bookmobile offers titles for all ages in print and audiobook formats.
Brooks said driving the bookmobile is "very fun and rewarding," adding that she enjoys seeing children's reactions when the vehicle has a book they want.
Outreach to small communities that would otherwise have limited access to books is another crucial aspect of the service, according to Brooks and Nett.
Nett said she enjoys getting children excited about reading, noting that they remain polite and respectful toward her and the vehicle despite their enthusiasm.