Door County Bookmobile in the shop, August 14, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Fundraising is underway to help restore an old van.
The Door County Library Bookmobile retired in 1989, and now, there’s a push to bring back the bus, deliveries and all.
From a chair folded in the front seat, to a shiny, silver exterior, the Door County Bookmobile is getting a new look.
“We’re just in the beginning stages of it. So right now, we’re just cleaning it all up. Putting all the new metal on,” said John Sawyer, Door County Bookmobile Restoration Committee.
John Sawyer says work began on the bus a couple months ago at Reese’s Body Shop near Sturgeon Bay. He says it’s part of a restoration project that took off last fall.
“Egg Harbor Historical Society owns the bookmobile right now. So we formed a group to restore it, and put it back in service. So we’re creating our own 501(c) (3), that will eventually buy the bookmobile from the Egg Harbor Historical Society, and it will run on its own,” he said.
Sawyer says it could take about $500,000 to get it all done, and so far, about $150,000 has been obtained. He says a fundraiser this Saturday at Sawyer Farms south of Egg Harbor is expected to help. He says the bookmobile is scheduled to make an appearance as well.
“We’re going to bring it up there, so people will be able to walk through, and see it, and what it was once,” said Sawyer.
Restoration Committee Member Carey Bertschinger says she remembers.
“When we were growing up, the bookmobile would make rounds to all of the area schools, and it was like the highlight of the week when it was coming to your school. A lot of people remember that, and have very good memories because of that,” said Carey Bertschinger, Door County Bookmobile Restoration Committee.
Meanwhile, restoration work continues.
“We’re putting a larger engine in it. So it’s got more power, and then we’re putting a whole new chassis, and running gear, and everything under it. But the bookmobile on the inside, when you go in there, looking just like it did in 1964. So, it’s very nostalgic,” said Sawyer.
Officials say work on the bookmobile is expected to be completed, and ready to deliver books, in June of next year.
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