By Bob Willhite, Big Read Machine manager
Summer shined down on The Big Read Machine — our local bookmobile sharing summer reading options with youth throughout the Vicksburg Community Schools district.
Over 400 kids checked out over 1,700 books this summer, both sizable increases. Each patron was given a Big Read Machine cinch sack to carry the books. And after the books were returned, the student received a neat book light.
Kids do not have to be Vicksburg Community Schools students to use the bus, which is parked at key locations throughout the district. This year, Portage Terrace Mobile Home Community and the Food Trucks at the Mill were added as new locations.
The kids are always providing memorable reactions to the Big Read Machine: “The book bus is here, the book bus is here!”, “Reading is magic!”, and my personal favorite: “Library books on a bus? That makes no sense!”
I manage the Big Read Machine schedule, its locations and times. We welcome ideas to help us reach as many area kids as possible. We’re already considering two new locations for 2023. Suggestions can be sent to ra.bob.willhite@gmail.com.
The Big Read Machine is sponsored by Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation. We extend thanks to foundation trustees, donors, bus drivers, volunteers, and of course all of the kids and families that visited us this summer.
See you next year.