Bookmobile News

Service above self. This is what more than 1 million Rotarians put into action across the globe. It’s a powerful creed and one that has inspired many Free Bookmobile volunteers and supporters, including program founder Glen Weaver. Glen remembers all the work local Rotary clubs did in partnership with homeless service organizations throughout Sonoma County during his time with Committee on the Shelterless (COTS). Now he is fortunate to have their support for literacy outreach, and have they ever come through in 2016!

In addition to investments made by other clubs mentioned in this News blog, generous donations have recently been made by:

Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation — For our extensive monthly outreach to Petalumans of all ages

Rotary Club of Russian River — For service to rural communities from Guerneville to Jenner

Rotary Club of Santa Rosa West — For prioritizing a large underserved population west of downtown, including Roseland

Rotary Club of Santa Rosa East — For bring great books directly to east Santa Rosa seniors at their homes

Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise — For our comprehensive service to all corners of greater Healdsburg

Thank you, Rotary, for setting the local standard for community service, and for your help with our important mission!

We are thrilled to announce that the Ernest L. and Ruth W. Finley Foundation has once again stepped forward with generous operating support of the Free Bookmobile program! This is the fifth straight year in which the Finley Foundation has made a major pledge to literacy outreach throughout Sonoma County. Their backing will make it possible to once again embark on our journeys to find the children, families, adults and seniors who are most challenged for access to books and welcome them aboard our colorful free library on wheels.

The Finley Foundation has been an invaluable source of funding for community programs throughout the North Bay since 1985, particularly in the areas of child welfare, health and human services, and arts and culture. Their investments in the Free Bookmobile have helped us grow our service 20% annually, both in terms of persons reached and increased quality of books offered. With our new Mobile Librarian ready to hit the road on more routes, we are poised to do the same in 2016 – 2017!