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Library program serves local youth
6 Library
Collection Management Librarian Tina Jordan, left, helps Avery Bender, 7, choose a novel on Friday when the Booker Mobile visited her neighborhood in Dawson County. - photo by Chelsea Thomas Dawson Community News

The Chestatee Regional Library System kicked off a new outreach service last month that aims to bring books to children in remote locations in Dawson and Lumpkin counties.

The Booker Mobile, named after the library mascot Booker the Dog, will visit locations after school and during the summer to allow children to check out up to five books and learn about library services.

Since its April 13 kick-off at Moss Estates in Dawson County, more than 50 books have been checked out and 18 children have received their first library card.

"I think one of the most important things about this program is that not everyone can always make it over to the library and we want to make sure all the services that we offer are available to everybody in the county," said Program Coordinator Tracy Walker.

"It's wonderful that we can bring the library to them. That was our biggest goal."

WEE Books, a local literacy nonprofit, has partnered with the library to help distribute books. Volunteers visit local neighborhoods on alternating weeks, usually on Friday afternoons.

For Dawson County, the Booker Mobile summer schedule is currently in planning stages, possibly offering more locations and times.

"Especially for little ones and teens we would love for them to see how the library works by borrowing, returning and getting their own library card," Walker said. "Hopefully that will make them want to be lifelong library patrons ... and lifelong learners."

The books being checked out are either used or donated editions. To make a donation of gently used children's books, chapter books or young adult novels, visit the Dawson County Library at 342 Allen Street, Dawsonville.

For more information, call the library at (706) 344-3690.