By Angela Jones
The new Patrick County Bookmobile is officially ready to serve following a ribbon cutting ceremony held on Thursday, May 16.
It was christened ‘Miss Lady,’ in honor of Lady Louise Clark, who was the first librarian and the first bookmobile librarian. Clark served in the roles from 1941 to 1972.
A crowd of more than 100 gathered for the event, with speakers that included Rick Ward, director of the Blue Ridge Regional Library; Garry Clifton, manager of the Patrick County Branch Library, and former Gov. Gerald Baliles.
“This is a handsome machine and knowledge on wheels for the citizens of this county,” Baliles said. “All costs to the bookmobile were paid off last week, and we have enough left over for maintenance and a tank of gas.” He noted the total cost for the new bookmobile was $188,480. The USDA provided a grant of $25,000.
“This has been a long time coming. I am still pinching myself,” said Rick Ward. “It is amazing what we are able to do.”
“Thank you, Tammy, for all your hard work,” Clifton said to Tammy Cope, who drives the bookmobile. The vehicle “looks beautiful inside and out.”
Clifton noted “a community effort helped to make this possible.”
