Library Foundation of McMinnville

Book Buddies - During summer months when students do not have access to their school libraries, McMinnville Public Library reaches out with its bookmobile to bring books and activities to underserved neighborhoods. The children are excited to meet the bookmobile when it comes, receiving free books, borrowing books, participating in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) projects, and maintaining their energy with healthy snacks. The team offering these services comprises both paid library staff and volunteers. Foundation assistance includes funding for promotional and supplies costs. The board has made Book Buddies an ongoing part of its support for the library, as it does with Collection Enhancement. For 2024, Book Buddies took the bookmobile to five different neighborhoods once a week for nine weeks, 1.5 hours per visit. This outreach was promoted in partnership with McMinnville Parks & Recreation, also known as "Read and Play", and served 1,073 program participants. The Foundation also funded the addition of more than 200 books and DVDs to the bookmobile lending collection.