North Mankato Taylor Library receives Funds for New Bookmobile
The Minnesota Department of Education has awarded North Mankato Taylor Library nearly $486,000 toward the purchase of a new Bookmobile. These funds were awarded through the “Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects Grant to Support Community Revitalization, Connectedness and Equity by Promoting Education, Work and Health.”
The Bookmobile makes stops 4-5 days per week at licensed in-home daycares, daycare centers, assisted living homes, nursing homes, public and private schools, and rural towns in Nicollet County that do not have their own library. It also serves organizations such as Head Start, MYPlace Mankato, and the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. Stops are scheduled and must be located in North Mankato or greater Nicollet County. The schedule for the Bookmobile’s route can be found on the Taylor Library’s website (www.northmankato.com/bookmobile-schedule.) The current bus has been in service since 2014 and was scheduled to be replaced.
“We are grateful to receive these funds to help us purchase a new Bookmobile,” says Katie Heintz, North Mankato Taylor Library Director. “We know the Bookmobile is a critical asset for many in our community, and it is well-loved, so we are excited to continue to enhance its services and purchase a new bus.”
The awarding of these grant funds will make it possible to develop new partnerships with the Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) House, Connections Shelter, and Partners for Affordable Housing. The Bookmobile will expand services for patrons by providing access to technology (a new mobile computer and printer) to assist with online medical & healthcare management needs, career needs (job searches, creating resumes, and accessing email), and internet access for homework help for families.
Questions may be directed to North Mankato Taylor Library Director Katie Heintz at 507-345-5120 or kheintz@nmlibrary.org.
