This month, we’re sharing a heartfelt reflection from our incredible Assistant Bookmobile Librarian, Jonathan Farrell, who recently wrapped up his final route with the Bozeman Public Library to begin an exciting new chapter: graduate school at Columbia University. Over the past four years, he’s brought books, warmth, and connection to schools, retirement homes, community centers, and neighborhoods across the Gallatin Valley. His words below capture the spirit of the Bookmobile, and the impact of library work, in a way that only someone who lived it could.
The sound of the air brakes engaging is the only “shushing” on the Bookmobile. It is a place of laughter, story time, and where you can request library materials to support your school and future lessons. It’s the free program that comes to your school every two weeks, bringing library access to inspire people to ask questions and seek answers.
Libraries aren’t just about books. They are spaces for every community member to come together in pursuit of what they desire, whether that’s information, belonging, or just a place to be warm. The dedication of my coworkers at the Bozeman Public Library inspired me every day, as they are people who not only love books but also, and I believe more importantly, have a sincere passion for improving their community.
I believe that working on the Bookmobile is by far the most fun job at the library, even if I am a little biased. Having a position where I was able to travel throughout the Gallatin Valley area, visiting schools, community centers, retirement homes, summer camps, parks, and many other places was a gift I am still unwrapping. It allowed me to see many different facets of this larger Montana community, from supporting 20+ schools’ curricula through book bundles to building one-on-one relationships with seniors I would visit directly. Being part of these communities isn’t a written perk of the job, but really should be promoted as such. The relationships I’ve built over the past four years with community members and coworkers continue to inspire me and are part of the reason why it’s so hard to say goodbye. Next stop: Columbia University!
