BETHLEHEM, Pa - The Bethlehem Area Public Library needs your help.
Their bookmobile recently broke down unexpectedly after a "mishap", and the decision was made to replace the vehicle entirely.
The Bookmobile has been serving the City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Fountain Hill, and Hanover Township for decades. It's served more than 125,000 residents.
The vehicle houses an astounding 20,000 books on board, and services over 750 kids weekly, facilitating over 7,000 book checkouts a year, according to the library.
This unfortunately comes at the busiest time of year, as it normally pays visits to community events and area public pools.
Bringing these books to the children has its advantages, especially for those families that may find it difficult to get to the library.
As summer approaches, it becomes even more important to ensure children have access to books, as literacy skills play an important part in childhood development.
Research has shown that books play an important part in influencing the way we relate to others. This is especially important as children grow and learn, as their young minds develop.
Reading Partners, a national nonprofit that mobilizes communities to provide students with the proven, individualized reading support they need to read at grade level by fourth grade, states that reading is the foundation for all learning, and makes us more empathetic human beings.
How can you help?
The B.A.P.L. is launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign to raise $550,000 to replace the current vehicle and outfit it with everything necessary a bookmobile would require, such as shelving and in-vehicle technology. Additionally, raising awareness through social media also helps to spread the word.
For more information on how to donate or become a sponsor, please visit the following link.