Georgetown, Del., Nov. 22, 2010: The Sussex County Bookmobile is on the road again after mechanical problems sidelined the vehicle for the past few months. And the Bookmobile’s return comes not a moment too soon, as two new weekly stops will help the Georgetown Public Library while it recovers from its own troubles earlier this fall.

Beginning Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010, the Bookmobile will stop at the Georgetown Public Library, 123 Pine St., every Thursday and Friday, excluding holidays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The addition of those two weekly stops will continue until further notice.

The independent library, which is managed separately of the County’s Department of Libraries, suffered a severe water main break in September that flooded the first floor, causing thousands of dollars in damage. The new library, which had just opened two months before the incident, has not set a date for its expected re-opening.

County officials said the Bookmobile’s return to the road fills a void at an important time.

“A community without its library is kind of like being without a heart and soul,” said Carol Fitzgerald, director of the County’s Department of Libraries. “We know people, especially those in Georgetown, have really missed having all the knowledge and fun the library and the Bookmobile can bring. We’re happy to bring that back.”

Georgetown Public Library officials had requested the Bookmobile’s service to compensate for their sudden closing, but the vehicle was out of service so that an onboard generator could be replaced and other repairs made, Ms. Fitzgerald said. The Bookmobile will go back to work Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Ms. Fitzgerald said the Bookmobile will be a welcomed sight at more than just the Georgetown Public Library.

“A number of day care centers, senior housing facilities and nursing homes look forward to when the Bookmobile rolls up,” Ms. Fitzgerald said. “So we have many of our own patrons who will be happy to see the Bookmobile as we get back on our routes.”

In addition to the two weekly stops at the Georgetown Public Library, the Bookmobile will resume its normal schedule canvassing the county. For a complete schedule, visit sussexlibraries.org/mobile-library.

Meantime, the Georgetown Public Library continues to provide programs as scheduled in its second-floor meeting rooms. Information about programs and services including the Bookmobile schedule can be found on the library's website, georgetown.lib.de.us/.

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