GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A Brown County legend is hanging up the keys and ending a 3-plus decade career of sparking love affairs with books.
Bookmobile Bob (Ripley) is often asked how he became the famed bookmobile man around town. Well, how else do you find a job? The classifieds.
“There was an ad in the paper and I put my name in and I got hired out of a group of people,” he explains. “I’ve been bookmobiling since, February 20, 1984.”
Bob spent his last day yesterday greeting visitors and old friends alike with his familiar smile.
He says he’s enjoyed the opportunity to deliver books to kids that now have their own children and see those relationships grow.
One of the individuals present was Amanda, who has grown significantly since Bob last delivered her books.
“I haven’t seen her since she was 12-years-old and now she brought in her two kids,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about.”
The current bookmobile that Bob has been operating is a model from the late 90’s, but that seems like a major upgrade considering the vehicles humble beginnings.
“I started with an old Gerstenslager bus and that was built in 1968,” he explains.
No matter the vehicle, Bob has enjoyed his time delivering books and smiles to people all over Brown County.
His last wish? That the bookmobile keeps making its rounds around town and that someone continues the legacy that he’s established.
