Local literacy council unveils its new Book Mobile

The Christian County Literacy Council is taking reading on the road with its new Book Mobile, which was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday.

The literacy council encourages folks of all ages to read and hosts a variety of programs to make reading more accessible for local youth, and the Book Mobile will aid that mission. The Book Mobile was made from an enclosed trailer and is decorated with paintings of characters from Dr. Seuss books. Then, the inside has shelves full of books for kiddos who have just started reading, as well as longer chapter books.

Not all students have access to books, and Literacy Council Executive Director Francene Gilmer says children are invited to take a book they are interested in reading for free.

Gilmer says many people played a role in bringing the Book Mobile to life. She says the Christian County Chamber of Commerce’s most recent Leadership Hopkinsville Class took on the project; the trailer was donated by Beaver Tree Service Owner Kyle Lyon and it was painted by Christian County High School art seniors.

Literacy Council Board Chair Joey Renshaw says it’s their plan to take the Book Mobile to community events where kiddos can come and grab a book.

Renshaw is excited to deploy the Book Mobile and says they are still developing ways to implement it as a tool to support the council’s mission. Gilmer says the Book Mobile is just the beginning, and in the future, it may grow into something bigger.

After the ribbon was cut, kiddos attending the council’s Beyond the Books Summer Camp got to go inside and grab a book to read.

The council is accepting book donations for the Book Mobile as long as they are in good condition. Those interested in donating can email cclc42240@gmail.com. To check out what the council has planned and where the Book Mobile will be, visit Christian County Literacy Council on Facebook.