(bright music) - Utah State Library's bookmobiles have served book lovers since 19, what, 59, the 1950s?

Today's bookmobiles carry more than 9,000 items, offer internet access, plus they also feature a digital library.

Jami Munk Carter and Jakob Thygerson are here with more on how this is a vital service for rural communities.

Welcome.

- Thank you.

- So tell me about Utah's bookmobiles.

You guys operate year round, right?

- We do.

We are a service that has existed for 67 years.

- Wow.

- There were many, many bookmobiles throughout the state at the inception of the Bookmobile program that sits under the state library.

And little libraries have been planted throughout the state, and communities have these libraries.

However, there are some rural areas that just don't have the tax base to create a library for themselves.

And we want to make sure that we are creating some equilibrium in that space.

So rural Utah is very, very important to us, and so we drive those books to anywhere we need to.

- Wow, and Jakob, I bet you log so many miles.

I remember growing up, there was a time where I didn't know where the local library was, but the bookmobile was always there.

What does that mean for you to be able to interact with people?

- Yeah, I mean, I get to see how important this is to people.

People who don't have a library in their community.

And so this really is one of the big ways that they kind of have contact with the outside world.

As the bookmobile comes, they can get the latest and greatest things.

You know, we're getting new books, new things all the time, and it really means a lot to people.

And so I love being able to help them with that.

- And sometimes with technology, people are like, "Well, can't they just go online?"

But for some people, that is a challenge.

You guys have updated things so people can get internet access, is that correct?

- Yes, we have internet access.

We are literally a public library with wheels, so it's a pretty unique service.

- All right, well, if you'd like to get some more information about this incredible service, it is on your screen.

It's the Utah State Library's Bookmobile and Rural Services.

Just head to bookmobiles.utah.gov for more information.

I'm Liz Adeola, and thank you so much for watching "Contact".

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Hi, I'm Liz Adeola, the host of Contact, a show that connects you with local events and organizations that serve your community.

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