Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library is looking at bringing back the bookmobile and offering books at kiosks around town. 

The library is asking patrons to fill out a survey on what kinds of services they would like to see. The survey will last until the end of November and is available on the library’s website or at the library.  

Barbara Gough, director of the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library, said that since the community is growing, the board of trustees realized a higher need for library services in the area. She has seen other libraries using a bookmobile, so it may be time to bring it back, she said. 

“We thought that it would be a good option,” said Gough.

Gough said the library had a bookmobile in the 1970s, but the new one would offer Wi-Fi and other features. The bookmobile would appeal to people without cars or access to the library, she said.  

“A mini library on wheels,” is the way Gough described the service.

Gough said the bookmobile would visit specific locations every two weeks, returning two weeks later to pick up books or DVDs that were checked out.

The library is also looking at setting up kiosks in local businesses. The kiosks would be like vending machines full of books and DVDs, and patrons would use their library cards to check out the materials. 

Gough said that after the survey closes, the board will look at the responses to determine if the  bookmobile or kiosks are possible. She said the goal is to have the bookmobile in service by  2020. The estimated cost is $285,000 for a larger vehicle, and less than that if a van is purchased. 

Gough said the goal is to serve areas in the county, then move into the city limits. She sees the bookmobile and kiosks as increasing access to free information.

The survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCYLTC3.