Bookmobile rolling again this summer

The Columbia Falls Bookmobile will once again be roaming the streets this summer, handing out books to boys and girls across the area. Many students have already signed up to receive books, but kids don’t have to signed up to get books, they just have to come visit the Bookmobile at any of its stops.

This year the scope of the project has expanded, said teacher Amy Hanson, who runs the program with Betsy Kohnstamm each summer. It will now be offering books to students up to eighth grade. Adults can even grab a title.

The books for younger kids are all new, but the adult books are typically used, Hanson said.

Studies have shown that kids who read books during the summer months do better on standardized tests the following fall, Hanson noted.

The program is now in its fifth year and utilizes a rig that was donated by Joe’s Auto last year. In addition to books, they’ll also be handing out healthy snacks to any child who wants one.

Here’s the schedule, which runs from June 18 to July 25:

Tuesdays: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Both sides of Highway 2 as far south as Birch Grove Road; 4-6 p.m. In town around Junior High and Ruder Schools and the pool

Wednesdays: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Glacier Gateway side of town and the Boys and Girls Club; 4-6 p.m. North of town from Aluminum Drive to Trumble Canyon and Blue Moon area

Thursdays: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hungry Horse, Martin City and Coram areas; 4-6 p.m. Columbia Heights and both sides of Hwy 206 south to edge of district.