Write a commentA new chapter in the story of the Oswego Bookmobile began on Wednesday morning when the organization's brand new bookmobile was delivered.
Board President Susan McBrearty and Oswego City School District Superintendent Dr. Ray Kilmer were on hand, along with board members and other dignitaries to accept delivery of the vehicle from Matthews Specialty Vehicles of Greensboro, NC.
Susan McBrearty said, "We began the process of procuring a new Bookmobile in October of 2021. Due to pandemic production delays, we weren't able to reserve a vehicle until 2024."
A new vehicle wasn't the original plan, McBrearty said. "We were looking to buy a decent used chassis. Former Mayor Billy Barlow identified a grant opportunity we could apply for. Oswego Bookmobile would then need to secure the matching funds to procure the new bookmobile."
The grant application was successful. The Oswego Bookmobile was awarded an AEI grant for $119,000 and raised $143,000 from the community with generous support from the Tarandi Foundation, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, the City of Oswego, and over 90 business and private donations. The final cost of the fully equipped, wheelchair-accessible bookmobile was $261,977.
"We are grateful to all those who made this purchase possible," McBrearty said. "Thank you to the Tarandi Foundation, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, the former Mayor and the City of Oswego as well."
The new Bookmobile will enable the organization to expand its mission, as they hope to be able to offer service to other towns in Oswego County.
"We will be talking more about that as the summer approaches," McBrearty said. "Right now, we have a lot to do to get the new Bookmobile ready for its travels this summer."
Pictured welcoming the new Oswego Bookmobile are Mariah Johnson and daughter Marceline, Board President Susan McBrearty, Janet Hutcheson, Katelyn Caza, Alice Barry, OMS teachers Dan Rose and Sarah Davis, Alison Anderson, Superintendent Dr. Ray Kilmer and Oswego City Council Vice president Shawn Burridge.
For more information, visit their website at OswegoBookmobile.com.
