From the Stacks to the Streets

The Woman Behind the Bookmobile

Where do you put the personality hire who studied theatre in college? What's a good fit for an extrovert who's pining to get out of meetings and loves talking all day long? How can we get this loud woman out of our quiet office space? Can we unleash her on the public in some way? 

Hi, I'm Sarah, and I'm your Outreach Coordinator.

If you've attended the myriad weekend events where our Bookmobile, Dottie, has been present, we've probably met. Hopefully, I wasn't too awkward when I offered you a magnet or a Dottie-exclusive air freshener. If our aggressive bubble machine held your children captive, I do apologize. But, while you were there, I hope you checked out some books.

Here's a secret that's not-so-secret to the folks around me because I never stop talking about it: I have the best job. I get to drive around bringing library joy to the people of Lawrence. And what's even better? This service is expanding.

Growing the Outreach Team

LPL has always had an Outreach team. It has, at times, been a team of one or two. But over the last few years, we've been bulking up so we can bring the library to you in greater capacities. We love having you in the building, but we understand it's not always easy to make it downtown. Our Outreach services currently include tabling at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and driving Dottie to various scheduled stops like Cottonwood, Hy-Vee, and the new Sunrise Project location in North Lawrence. We're also visiting ESL classes at Peaslee Tech, signing folks up for cards at Nerd Nite, and so much more. And, of course, if you live in one of the retirement communities in town, you are no doubt familiar with the fabulous service Gregor provides, opens a new window. In fact, here's a link to the schedule, opens a new window in case a list of random places isn't exactly working for you. 

But wait! There's more! 

Extending Our Reach

You may have seen us* out this week installing new lockers at Hy-Vee, Prairie Park Nature Center, and the Sports Pavilion. If you're unfamiliar with our book lockers, these are remote lockers where you can pick up your holds without having to drive downtown. When you request an item to be held for you, you can simply click where you'd like to pick it up, and then we deliver it to that site. *I had nothing to do with the installation of anything. Thanks, Jeff and Aaron!

But did you also know we have a BOOK BIKE?? 

You can catch us on 8th and Mass most Monday evenings between 5 & 6 pm on the book bike. We've got free books for kids and adults, other library swag, and you can even sign up for a library card. In fact, at almost every single event and stop, we can get you a card. And of course, you can also get one on Dottie. Or start the process here, opens a new window and pick it up at any stop or at the library itself. 

And don't let me forget about our summer plans, which all start with Summer Reading, opens a new window! Summer Reading begins May 22nd, and this year, Dottie will be stocked with Summer Reading prizes and making stops at all Boys and Girls Club sites and several Parks and Rec summer camps. 

At this point, you're most likely asking yourself, “Wow! How do I get a 26-foot truck parked outside of my business or event?” Well, here's a little form, opens a new window you can fill out to request our services. (Don't worry, there's an option to request tabling as well.)

Downtown Lawrence & Beyond

We know the heart of our community lies in Downtown Lawrence. Everything a person could ask for resides in just a few blocks: restaurants, wine bars, coffee shops, bookstores, candy stores, a cat cafe, and a beautiful library. But we also know, sometimes you can’t make it here. So, that's when we bring the library to you. (We cannot, unfortunately, bring you a wine bar.) 

So, please hit me up with ideas, requests, questions, and concerns. You can email me directly at smathews@lplks.org. I live for email.

Just kidding. I live for being outside and away from email — but I promise to check it and respond. Until then, I hope to see you out and about. I have a magnet and an air freshener for you!

—Sarah Mathews is the Outreach Coordinator at Lawrence Public Library.