I don’t know how old some of you are, but Thursdays were bookmobile days at my school. And even though our school had a decent library (full of Judy Blume, Norma Fox Mazer, and Beverly Cleary) and my mom took us to the public library a lot, there was something about having a big comfortable bus stocked with books that seemed magical.

I can remember my excitement as I stepped up the stairs and into the narrow aisle where rows of books greeted my eager eyes. I was a starving child taking in a feast, not knowing which food to eat first. Animal stories? Fantasy? Realistic fiction? So many choices, and not a lot of time–the bookmobile showed up after school and my siblings and I took the bus home. We had very little time to visit the bookmobile, select and check out books, and zip down the sidewalk to the bus before it left. I learned to make quick decisions, begging my friends to tell the bus driver not to leave without me. I must have my books; but I also needed a ride home.

I was so happy to know there was a day commemorating bookmobiles and that there are dedicated book lovers and librarians bringing books to communities who need them in this fun way. I salute you and thank you. And readers: may you have that sense of wonder, anticipation and deep gratitude as you walk into the hallowed ground that is a bookmobile.

To find out more about National Bookmobile Day and download activities and images, click here. If you have a bookmobile story to share, please do!