County approves mobile library services

For those who, for whatever reason, can’t make it to the Hood County Library, the county has a solution.

The library will come to you.

The Hood County Commissioners Court has approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F550, an 18-foot vehicle that will serve as a mobile library bringing books, programs and internet access into economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and the communities of Cresson, Tolar and Lipan.

The Mobile Library Outreach vehicle will cost $273,898. It will be purchased with funds the county received through the pandemic-related American Rescue Act.

At the court’s regular meeting on Dec. 14, Library Director Jennifer Logsdon told the county judge and commissioners that a mobile library had been discussed prior to her arrival and that a 2019 survey showed that some who would like to access the library faced transportation challenges.

She stated that the library’s location in the center of town is not convenient to many people and indicated that the county’s rapid growth will only exacerbate that problem.

Logsdon also stated that expanding the library’s ability to serve the public will help the library keep its accreditation.

She said that the mobile unit will provide printing services and internet access in addition to books, and that plans include a rotation of family programs, adult computer classes and visits to retirement facilities.

“It’s an investment in the people of Hood County,” Logsdon said.

Four people spoke in favor of the purchase, including Cresson Mayor Teena Putteet Conway and Hood County Library Foundation board president Susan Scott. The others were Rose Simpson and Harold Granek, both of whom once served on the Library Advisory Board.

“It would be so great for Hood County to have,” Simpson said, adding that it will help foster “lifetime readers and lifetime learners.”

The vote by the county judge and commissioners to approve the purchase was unanimous.

kcruz@hcnews.com | 817-579-1886