Bookmobile
History and Photo Album

2007 marks Saint Paul Public Library's 125th year of service to the community. Celebrate all year long with parties at every branch, a chance to share your memories of the library, and other special events.

History

The first Saint Paul Public Library Bookmobile dates back to 1917. Since that time, the Library has owned six vehicles. The current Bookmobile was purchased in 2005. The colorful artwork that adorns the outside of the Bookmobile was generously provided by the Saint Paul Pioneer Press.

Photo Album

Click photos for larger images.

The Saint Paul Public Library's first bookmobile dates back to 1917, the same year Central Library, Arlington Hills, Saint Anthony Park, and Riverview opened!	SPPL's 1917 Bookmobile.
The 1959 Bookmobile with driver John Amon and librarian Betty Baugh.	Checking out books on the Bookmobile in October, 1954. John Amon, driver. Barbara Brown, librarian.
Girls on the bookmobile, 1950s.	Inside the Bookmobile in the 1950s.
Kids sitting in front of bookmobile, 1950s.	Women on the bookmobile, 1950s.
The "Recordak Junior" - how books were checked out from the Bookmobile in the 1950s.	Mobile Branch #2 February, 1960
Waiting for the Bookmobile.	"Mobile branches" in color! Circa 1960.
Mobile Branch #3, outside Central Library	The Bookmobile in 1980.
The 1990's vintage Bookmbile. In 2005, this vehicle was retired by SPPL and donated to Saint Paul's sister city - Manzanillo, Mexico.	SPPL's current, colorful Bookmobile.