Roaming reading bus reaches residents

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Shortly after 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 6, the Pea Ridge Book Bus rumbled down the exit lane from the primary school for its first run of the summer. Book Bus co-founder Ashley Clark drove to the first stop -- Jones Trailer Park. From there, the bus visited Todd Circle, Givens Place (at the park), Standing Oaks (at the pool), Summit Meadows Estates, Windmill Estates and then back to the school.

Before departing, Clark sent out her first social media message to alert parents the Book Bus was heading their way. At each stop, she used Facebook, email and text messaging along with the Remind Me app to let people know where the bus is or is going. She said she encourages parents to like the Facebook page and sign up for the Remind Me app.

Clark said the day's schedule may change some weeks, and social media allows her to inform parents quickly and easily.

Clark said the stop points are trial and error and subject to change.

"If no one comes to a stop point several Tuesdays, we might change to a different spot or a different subdivision."

She said she wants parents to let her know if there is a good spot to visit where children want to get books.

Despite Clark's frequent messages relaying the Book Bus's route and location, sometimes information doesn't get through.

Jennifer Marler and dedicated reader Chloe O'Neal, 6, mom and daughter, caught the bus at a stop sign just as it was leaving Windmill Estates. Marler said they had been trying to catch up with the bus for a while. Clark and Marler consulted, and now Marler is connected and will get the bus location alerts.

The stop at the Standing Oaks pool netted four damp readers. Jennifer Hartman said her kids "get excited about reading."

"And the popsicles!" piped Emma, 8, Hartman's daughter.

The last stop is always the Primary School where the Boys & Girls Club meets and free lunch is served during the summer. Clark says anyone is welcome to catch up with the bus there around 11 a.m.

About 13 young and future readers visited the Book Bus before it arrived at the Primary School, where close to 50 readers lined up and scored a book apiece.

Destinations determined, let the travel begin.

Community on 06/14/2017