Do we really need a bookmobile in Ocean City?
About a month or two ago, it was reported in this newspaper the Ocean City Free Public Library purchased a brand-new bookmobile. One OPRA inquiry later, I learned it cost $110,000.
I soon met with Karen Mahar, library director, and Jennifer Shirk, president of the library's Board of Trustees. I found them to be polite and courteous in reaction to my assertion the bookmobile was a bad idea. I followed that meeting by speaking during public comment at the monthly library board meeting yesterday.
I said Ocean City is 7 miles long and an a half-mile wide for a total of approximately 3.5 square miles. In addition to the public library, we have a library in the primary, intermediate and high schools — or four libraries in 3.5 square miles. I stated that bookmobiles were supposed to be for rural communities (i.e. geographically much larger) and poorly funded communities that can't afford satellite locations — descriptions that don't match Ocean City. I said given the trustees were swimming against the tide, maybe they should have leased the bookmobile initially, in case it doesn't work out. Why didn't the trustees hedge?
I reminded the trustees that when the Community Center was expanded (the very building our library is a part of), John Flood introduced into the public dialogue the simple and very accurate phrase: "Concept, Design, Fund, Build (or in this case purchase)." How ironic.
The concept behind the bookmobile, I think, is to promote the library and reading. So go into the community. No truck needed. So far on the list are just a few stops: the Public Housing Authority, Wesley Shores, American Legion, to name a few. The Public Housing Authority has a large public room. Go read to young people and promote the library in that room. Install a broadband line or two. When it rains you won't have to cancel a visit. Many residents at Wesley Shores are not mobile. Give them broadband lines if there is a need. The list of library books is online. If they need books, just bring them books from the whole library.
At the very meeting I attended, one trustee questioned the marketing of the bookmobile as well as its usage. As he said, there was no surprise here as the purchase was a long time coming. Apparently, the bookmobile needs a driver. No Design. He was really questioning the rollout. Poor planning.
My conclusion is this was a poorly conceived venture for the library by well-meaning people who didn't adhere to Concept, Design, Fund and Purchase (or lease). The bookmobile is a "square peg for a round hole" for Ocean City. It doesn't fit. Four libraries in 3.5 square miles with the public library nearly in the middle of the town. What were they thinking?
Stay with your core — we have a very fine public library that is well-attended with numerous programs, computers, speakers and a vast array of books, magazines and newspapers. The library is amply funded and well-run. It is a credit to the staff, its board and the community at large.
Michael Hinchman
Ocean City, NJ
