pictures of the kids doing some looking around.
By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
State Librarian Deborah Schander and Rep. Bill Heffernan (D-115), joined Mayor Dorinda Borer and West Haven Public Library officials Monday to relaunch the library’s bookmobile and mobile services.
At the morning event, Borer commended and congratulated the library for receiving a grant from the State Library in partnership with the nonprofit Libraries Without Borders US to enhance its mobile presence and outreach services.
The relaunch was held in the parking lot of the West Haven Community House and was attended by Libraries Without Borders Executive Director Nina Safane, library Executive Director Colleen Bailie, outreach librarian Melissa Marguy and Community House Executive Director Amy Guay-Macfarlane.
The library is a partner of the Community House and is governed by the Village Improvement Association, of which Heffernan serves as its president.
The Pauline Z. Smith Bookmobile is 10 years old and has been equipped with new books, decorations and shelves, along with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Bailie said the traveling public library aims to reach as many residents as possible with improved services, such as offering library cards “on the fly.”
“We look forward to expanding our outreach further with more items being held in our bookmobile, mobile hot spot access and the capability of pop-up library services all throughout West Haven, especially in Allingtown while we strive to build a new location,” Bailie said. “Stay tuned for more locations to find our van and Melissa providing the best in library services.”
Schander said: “Utilizing the bookmobile allows the library to expand its existing community partnerships and connect West Haven residents to library offerings. The relaunch involved mapping community partners and key locations for service around the city and outfitting the van to provide easy access to a wide range of books, internet capacity and other library services.
“The van can both bring resources to new locations around the city and can serve on its own as a temporary satellite location wherever it goes.”
The Village Improvement Association plays a critical role in guiding the city’s library system in “providing unlimited access to opportunities and resources for self-improvement, cultural awareness and pure enjoyment for patrons.”