As if summoned, Jen appeared with her husband, George. They both wore jeans and T-shirts emblazoned with the Nailed It logo.
Jen smiled at Bennett. “Isn’t this fantastic? The foot traffic has exploded.”
“It’s been a good morning.” George gestured to the display furniture where red “sold” tags fluttered in the breeze. “We’ve already sold two patio furniture sets.”
“And it’s still early,” Jen added, practically bouncing with energy. “Who knew books could be such good business?”
Bennett glanced toward the bookmobile, catching a glimpse of Libby through the side window. She was in her element, animated and dressed in what looked like a vintage-style dress patterned with tiny books. She spotted him and waved before turning back to a woman.
“The bookmobile is sure popular.” Bennett stroked his stubbled jaw. “How did people know to show up?”
Grinning, Mitch explained, “As soon as I saw Libby pull up, I posted on social media. She’s camera shy, so I took photos of the books and the bookmobile.”
Jen folded her arms. “I guess she’s one of those who doesn’t want her photo taken. But those posts are getting a ton of engagement.”
Bennett found that curious because most young people of Libby’s age posted plenty online.
Just then, another familiar couple approached. Nan waved, her short red curls gleaming in the sunlight.
“We haven’t seen this much activity on a Saturday morning since Christmas,” Arthur commented, surveying the scene with evident pleasure.
“We had to check it out,” Nan said. She clutched a vintage cookbook she’d apparently just acquired from the bookmobile.
“When we saw the queue forming, we opened our shop early,” Arthur said. “A gentleman who came for the bookmobile wandered in and bought a fine set of vintage Hemingway books.”
“Seems like a domino effect,” Bennett said thoughtfully. “The bookmobile generates more business for everyone.”
He watched as a young girl, no more than six, emerged from the vehicle clutching a picture book to her chest, her face radiant. Her father followed, carrying a stack of chapter books. “Daddy, can we come back next Saturday to get more?”
“We’ll have to return these books then,” the man replied. “After that, Miss Libby will be on her way to another town, so we can’t check out others.”
Bennett felt a twinge of regret as he saw the little girl’s face fall.
“Everyone loves a bookmobile,” Mitch said, following Bennett’s gaze. “Especially the kids. What a shame we can’t keep it here or offer something like that.”
“Not you, too?” Bennett drew a hand over his forehead.
“Just stating the obvious, man.”
A slim woman with a stylish silver-haired cut approached them. Bennett recognized Paige Wilson, owner of Pages Bookshop in the village.
“Good to see you here, Mr. Mayor.” She greeted him with a firm handshake. “Quite the literary festival we’re having.”
“I’m surprised to see you here,” Bennett said. “Isn’t a bookmobile your competition?”
Paige laughed, shaking her head. “Not at all. Libraries create young readers, who then support my bookshop.” She gestured toward the children eagerly waiting in line. “Libraries expand readership, develop early reading habits, and improve grades. They set up kids for success. What a shame you couldn’t manage that library fiasco better.”
That comment hurt. Bennett hadn’t heard the budget issue called that, but he could see how residents might view it that way. “The city might reconsider filling the void in some way.”
Paige eyed him with suspicion. “If you’re ready to seriously discuss it, get in touch. I was sick then, but I’m feeling better and ready to serve on a fundraising committee now. It might take a few years to raise the money, but it’s the result that counts.”
“You make a good point,” Bennett said.
A weight settled on his shoulders. Ivy had tried to enlist help, but few volunteered. Or maybe people had the chance to miss the old library now.
“Look at them all.” Mitch watched another group of children skip toward the bookmobile. “I hope Daisy is as excited about books at that age.”
Bennett nodded, unable to deny the evidence before him. The energy in the village this morning was incredible. People were sharing stories and laughing. The bookmobile had brought the community together.
