thePublished on Friday, July 30, 1937, was the announcement of the Anderson County Library’s first ‘Circulating Library.’
The service began during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. The first bookmobile was a truck co-sponsored by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Board of Education, and civic leaders. The truck traveled rural roads to reach residents who could not easily visit physical library locations.
The first-ever bookmobile was a truck.
BOOKMOBILE: A BRIEF
1947-1949
In 1947, bids were sought to replace the original bookmobile with a three-quarter-ton truck. In 1949, a Chevrolet was chosen to replace the previous model.
1950s
The Anderson County Library System answered increased demand for bookmobile service by adding a second vehicle that offered patrons a walk-in experience and a collection of 1,500 titles.
Both a 1955 Chevrolet truck and 1959 Ford van together served Anderson County residents with bookmobile services.
Today, the 1955 Chevrolet bookmobile has been fully restored and is used as a mobile library for the Automobile Club of America's Library and Research Center in Hershey, Penn.
1960s & ‘70s
Patrons across Anderson County were increasingly using bookmobile services. A coffee and cookie service was offered to downtown visitors.
In July 1973, the bookmobile checked out a “record smashing" 8,260 books.
reaching readers
By delivering books, resources, and services directly into neighborhoods and community spaces, the bookmobile helps ensure access to reading and learning for all, no matter the distance or circumstance.
The bookmobile made regular stops at daycare and senior centers - and we still do today!
BOOKMOBILE A BRIEF
In an undated photo, Anderson County Library bookmobilesarelinedup.
1980s & ‘90s
The previous bookmobile was retired from service with over 100,000 miles and 20 years of delivering books to the residents of Anderson County. A new large bus was purchased to replace it with a much larger collection capacity.
In 1989, the bookmobile was replaced with a large bus that held thousands of books.
2000s
In December of 2003, The Anderson County Library System purchased a large bus that could carry a large collection of books, magazines, CDs, and videos – around 5,000 of them – it also held workstations for up to 8 computers connected to the internet via satellite - quite high-tech for its time!
This is the bookmobile our patrons and community have come to know over the years. In recent years, the Library significantly expanded its outreach efforts, with the bookmobile attending far more events in addition to its regular stops. It has appeared at festivals, schools, local employers’ wellness fairs, holiday celebrations, and pop-up library card sign-up events - just to name a few.
After 22 years of service, the bookmobile has carried hundreds of thousands of materials and welcomed countless community members aboard. It has served Anderson County faithfully and is now entering a welldeserved retirement.
2026 + welcome bookmobile!
Introducing our new bookmobile - a 2024 RAM ProMaster 3500 chassis with a Farber ELF build.
Designed with a smaller footprint than our previous model, this new bookmobile allows us to navigate more easily and access a wider range of locations, expanding our ability to reach the community.
Smaller doesn’t mean less. While overall collection capacity is slightly reduced, mobile rolling book carts allow staff to curate, stage, and quickly load materials tailored to each event or stop.
After more than a year of anticipation, we’re excited to finally hit the road and bring library services to more places than ever before.
we’re
Following the unveiling, the Bookmobile will begin a Branch Welcome Tour, visiting library locations across the county throughout March.
bookmobile tour schedule
Iva Branch Library • March 6 • 2:30-4 PM
Powdersville Branch Library • March 13 • 10 AM-12 PM
Piedmont Branch Library • March 13 • 2 PM-3PM
Jennie Erwin Library (Honea Path) • March 20 • 10 AM-11 AM
Belton Branch Library • March 20 • 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Lander Memorial Library (Williamston) • March 20 • 2:30 PM-4 PM
Pendleton Branch Library • March 27 • 2 PM-4 PM
“This Bookmobile represents our commitment to meeting people where they are,” said Annie Sutton, Library Director. “Whether we’re visiting neighborhoods, schools, or community events, it allows us to expand access to library services while strengthening our connection with the people we serve.”
“The Bookmobile is an investment in access and connection,” said Rusty Burns, Anderson County Administrator. “By taking library services into neighborhoods and community events across the county, we’re making it easier for residents of all ages to learn, explore, and stay connected to the resources that strengthen our community.”
ribbon-cutting ceremony
Friday, March 6, from 10–11 AM at the Main Library, followed by open tours from 11:00 AM - 12 PM. Community members will be among the first to step inside the new Bookmobile, explore its features, and learn how it will serve residents throughout the county.
