Mobile library “Trojans Read the Way” brings books to Jenks neighborhoods

JENKS, Oklahoma – This summer heat usually sees ice cream trucks driving through neighborhoods, but in Jenks, a “mobile library” is driving by.

Families can come on a bookmobile and take two books of their choice.

Trojan Read the Way is a nonprofit organization supported by Jenks Public Schools and other donations.

This has been going on for five years. The goal is for everyone to have a home library, because once a child chooses a book, it belongs to them forever.

Mary Arlan, a teacher in Jenks Public Schools, has been volunteering for three years and says the children experience new and familiar joys each week when they find books.

There are eight stops every week between Tuesday and Thursday. Families line up and wait their turn.

Lisa Wright

“When you pull into a park or somewhere and the kids stop playing what they’re doing and run to the bus to get a book, it’s just incredible,” Arlan said.

The program saw a 60% increase in attendance in just one year and an 84% increase in two years. Almost 3,000 books were distributed through the program, with an average of about 250 readers coming on Tuesday and Thursday.

The problem with the program is that there aren’t enough books to hand out, but that doesn’t stop people of all ages from finding the right book. For volunteers like Mary, it’s all worth it.

WATCH: Kids have fun with Trojans Read the Way mobile library

Children enjoy the mobile library “Trojans Read the Way”

“It’s just so rewarding for me; I mean, it’s just a great feeling. I love it,” Arlan said.

As a further “sweet” surprise, readers receive ice cream on a stick after selecting their book.

If you would like to donate to the program or have a book yourself, here is their Facebook page.

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