Lancaster County launches bookmobile to bring library services to assisted-living and nursing homes

Lancaster County on March 10 will mark the official ribbon cutting for a new bookmobile intended to bring library materials and technology directly to residents who cannot visit branch libraries.

The program, described on the county’s “Lancaster County catch up” update, aims to reach assisted-living facilities, nursing homes and other locations where residents lack access to library resources. A county staff member said the vehicle — called an “outreach mobile” in the announcement — will deliver books and technology and make regular visits to those sites.

The county named attendees expected at the March 10 event as Lancaster County Chairman Bridal Carnes, county administration, members of the Lancaster County Library Board, representatives from the South Carolina State Library, partners from Comporium and other community supporters. The update said the county plans to hire a special outreach librarian to operate the bookmobile and provide services in the field.

County communicators framed the effort as part of the library’s mission to “unite our diverse communities” and ensure residents who cannot “physically walk through the door of the library” receive services. The announcement said the outreach will include book lending and technology access, though it did not specify staffing timelines, vehicle hours or the precise schedule for stops.

The county’s on-air message closed by thanking the people and partners who helped start the program and encouraging residents to read.