Washington County Free Library

The bookmobile 1950-1957.

It was decided that the service would be year round, so a new type of bookmobile had to be designed. Gone was the fair-weather vehicle of old, with the bookshelves on the outside, exposing the precious cargo to the elements whenever a stop was made for the patrons. A 1950 Studebaker truck was outfitted with "inside shelves, seating space for three, and a closet or bin in every other available spot." The total cost was $4,652.

The bookmobile 1931 -1940.

The 1931 Dodge was "manned" by two ladies at all times: one to drive and one to stand on the running board to keep it from tipping over. Proper attire included "a long-sleeved dress, a broad brimmed hat and gloves" to prevent tanning.

The bookmobile from 1921 to 1931.

The IHC and the Koehler proved to be too heavy and unwieldy for the ladies, requiring the services of a chauffeur. The third motorized book wagon was a Dodge business car specially equipped for library use. According to Miss Titcomb, the Dodge "proved so satisfactory that when it began to show signs of wear after five years continuous service, it was thought best to replace it with another of the same make."

The bookmobile 1916-1921

A 1916 Koehler truck specially equipped for library service was purchased for $1,339.50. It had a limousine front with seats for two passengers in addition to the chauffeur. The shelves on the side could accommodate 500 books, and there was room inside for six deposit station cases.

Cost breakdown
Koehler Truck Chassis - $940.00
Clock - 2.50
Speedometer & Lights - 38.00
Chains - 8.50
Linoleum and Aluminum binding for floor of car - 7.50
Cost of body fitted with shelves - 333.00

AUTO DELIVERY,
The new automobile delivery wagon for the Free Library has arrived here and will be put into service at once. The wagon was run about the streets yesterday by a representative from the International Harvester Co., the makers, and was very much admired. It has a 22-horse power engine and solid tires. The wagon was on exhibition at the New York and Baltimore automobile shows and attracted much attention.

This was a 1912 IHC Autobuggy.

From the 1912 Annual Report of the Washington County Free Library...

County Extension.

(Book Wagon. Miss Chrissinger.)

The stone house, used at one point as a jail, was purchased by the Women's Club in 1921 and fitted as a Library. This Smithsburg Community Library is open two days in the week, one day for the school children and the other for the general public. With this branch there is a constant exchange of books from the main library.

(From Anniversary booklet)

From a July 29, 1926 newspaper account, quoting Lillian Barkdoll:

From the 1913-1914 Annual Report of the Washington County Free Library

Children's Room.
(Miss Lawrence)

This Washington County Free Library book deposit station was housed in a country store. The words "Washington County Free Library, Highfield Branch" were painted on the lid, which is stored on top of the deposit box. Highfield was a mile from Pen Mar Park. It received its first collection in 1903-1904 and I.M. Grubine was in charge.

An attentive audience in Brownsville.