The library in Bicknell, the Tri-County Bookmobile headquarters, offers free wi-fi, computers, and about 20,000 items to check out for the 300 residents of Bicknell, Utah. It’s also home to The Flower Puff Girls and their queen, Bumbelina.
Amber Fullerton, the Tri-County bookmobile headquarters librarian, finds unique opportunities to enrich her patron’s lives. She sees the bookmobile headquarters as a gathering place for the community she loves. She’s hosted story times, concerts, movie nights, and more.
“I am a firm believer in bringing as much to the community as I possibly can, and this is a way to do that.”
Amber Fullerton, bookmobile headquarters librarian
When Utah State University Extension folks asked if she would be interested in installing a beehive in the bookmobile headquarters, the answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!”. Thanks to the Bee Grant from the Bee Cause Project, in partnership with The Whole Kids Foundation, the Tri-County Bookmobile headquarters is now home to around 16,000 bees.
“There was a lot of excitement leading up to it,” says Amber. “People have been so enchanted by being able to see what is going on in the hive.” The beehive, enclosed in plexiglass so patrons can observe the bees, sits inside the headquarters. A small garden in front of the bee’s entrance on the outside of the building keeps the space people-free so the bees can do their thing.
After crowdsourcing the bees’ names and attending a meet and greet featuring crafts and honey-tasting, library patrons have been charmed by The Flower Puff Girls and Bumbelina. The beehive has also piqued children’s curiosity. Amber stocked plenty of books about bees and beekeeping. The local 4-H will also provide a curriculum for the local elementary school so kids can learn more about the importance of bees.
“The colony seems to be happy and productive. My favorite part is when the bees come in from outside with pollen on their legs, it looks like they have fancy socks on.”
Amber Fullerton, bookmobile headquarters librarian
The Utah State Library Bookmobile Program brings library services to rural Utah, working in partnership with the counties they serve. Learn more about our program here, and stay tuned for more great bookmobile stories.