If you haven’t had a chance to explore Windsor Public Library’s coolest new branch, you’re missing something.  Our bookmobile, lovingly called FRED (for Freedom to Read, Educate and Discover) has been on the road for a few months now, bringing what the library has to offer to seniors’ facilities, community events, or under-serviced neighbourhoods.

Working on FRED is a unique experience.  People aren’t sure at first what we are, or if they are allowed to just climb aboard.  Rest assured, you are! Kids are “wowed” when they step onto the bookmobile for the first time.  One young man exclaimed “it’s a dollhouse library!”  Older people comment on how much they loved the bookmobile visits they had as children, and remark on FRED’s wonderful wood shelving.

The collection on FRED is always changing, and we try to tailor the collection offered for the location we are visiting.  This Saturday, October 22, we will be at the Orchid Show at 2401 Columbus Ave from 11-5, so we will be sure to have lots of gardening books and videos on hand.  If you can’t make it this weekend, we will be at Lowe’s on Provincial Road next Saturday, October 29.  While you’re picking up your home improvement supplies, stop by for some books or videos to help you with your project!

Besides books and videos, we also offer video games, PlayAways, and internet access.  We also have some tech toys on-board to get the little ones thinking.  And we are always thrilled to make you a library card, whether it is your first ever, or you haven’t been in years.  Items can be checked out AND returned to the bookmobile.  Anything borrowed from FRED can be returned to any Windsor Public Library branch, so you don’t have to chase us down.

Next time you see FRED somewhere, come in and say “Hi!”  You’ll be surprised at what good things can come in small, mobile packages.