Hawaii Self Storage has been promoting literacy in Hawaii since 2006, when it began its "Lockers for Literacy" program. In 2007 Hawaii Self Storage also began an ongoing book drive to collect books for the Literacy Hawaii Bookmobile (which is also called the Classroom on Wheels). Now, however, the bookmobile is in jeopardy. It has been covered more than 200,000 miles in its efforts to bring books to Hawaiian children. The bookmobile has finally developed so many mechanical problems that it has been grounded. Ironically, the bookmobile was finally grounded in mid-April -- just in time for National Bookmobile Day on April 14.
Hawaii Literacy says that the bookmobile's engine cannot be repaired -- it will have to be replaced. It has been running since 2007, but it was a donation at the time, and already had 200,000 miles on it. The current bookmobile is a Ford E350. Hawaii Literacy is hoping that someone will donate a Ford E350 engine to replace the current one, or that someone will donate a used 21-passenger van, converted handi-shuttle, or regular shuttle. They are looking for a vehicle with fewer than 85,000 miles.
"We hope people will do whatever they can to help us -- whether it's donate ten dollars or spreading the word via our Facebook cause page," Hawaii Literacy's Classroom on Wheels Coordinator/Manager Megan Naihe told the Honolulu Advertiser.
Last year the bookmobile visited nearly 1,100 Oahu children, who checked out more than 15,000 books.
Hawaii Self Storage is collecting cash donations to be used for a new bookmobile at all of its five locations (Kaimuki, Salt Lake, Pearl City, Mililani and Kapolei). Hawaii Self Storage has long been a proponent of literacy. With every new storage locker rental, Hawaii Self Storage donates $2 of its profits to its Lockers for Literacy fund, which annually provides two books to first graders in Hawaii public schools. (The books belong to the first graders, who take them home and keep them.) Hawaii Self Storage also has an annual book drive, in conjunction with Read to Me International, a nonprofit organization that promotes reading aloud to children, to collect books for the Literacy Hawaii Bookmobile and to local libraries and elementary schools. Customers are given a $2 rent credit for every gently used book, puzzle, or game that they donate to the book drive. The self storage facility typically provides several thousand books in its book drive.
Sources used:
"Leeward Oahu's only Bookmobile running out of gas." The Hawaii Independent. April 14, 2010.
"Leeward Oahu's only Bookmobile running out of gas." Honolulu Advertiser. April 14, 2010.
"Oahu's Bookmobile, Hawaii Literacy need help." KITV.com. April 14, 2010.