These days, we can order almost any book in the world straight to our doorstep or simply download them to devices like kindle. This would definitely come in handy in quarantine. But it wasn’t always so. Just a few decades ago, people who lived in villages or remote areas without a library depended on bookmobiles. The mission of these circulating libraries was to make the printed word accessible to everyone.
One of the earliest recorded bookmobiles was the Perambulating Library in Warrington, England 1859. It was a horse-drawn cart and lent about 12,000 books during its first year of service. Bookmobiles did not appear in the US until the early 1900s. Eventually, they were motorized and reached the height of their popularity in the mid-20th century, when they became an everyday part of American life.
Take a look at these 20 nostalgic images of circulating libraries, that will send you back to a time when the world operated much differently.








Image Source: Crossett Library / Flickr












13 Books That Will Make Your Time Fly
These times of social distancing are perfect for catching up on your reading. Check out this list of 13 must reads to get started.
You May Know These Photos, but Not Their History...
These photographs are so famous, there is no chance you don't know them. But do you the absolutely incredible stories that led to those moments?
This is The OLDEST American Motorcycle Company
Of these 10 motorcycle manufacturers, only 2 are operating today. Can you guess the two?
Do You Live in One of the 10 Oldest US Capitals?
Learn about the 10 oldest capital cities in the USA.
8 Novels Any History Lover Must Read
If you're in the mood for time travel, grab one of these acclaimed and immersive historical novels.
The Literary Puzzle Only 4 People In History Could Solve
Only 4 people have solved this puzzle in nearly a century: meet the 4 solvers of Cain's Jawbone
7 Creepy Historical Facts You Won’t Soon Forget
These true historical facts prove reality can be more creepy and disturbing than any ghost story.
20 Things Most People Think Are the Same, But Aren't!
These words are often mistaken for synonyms, but in reality they are nothing of the sort, because they refer to different things. Learn about 20 of them.,
The Most Famous Acts of Revenge in History
Each of these 5 stories reveals how far people have gone to right perceived wrongs – changing the world around them, for better or worse, in their relentless pursuit of retribution.
The Encyclopedia Won’t Tell You These Unique Facts
Here are 12 unique and curious facts about the world that will definitely surprise you.
The Unlikely Chance Encounters That Shaped the World
One chance meeting could change history. Check out the stories of the most world altering encounters that happened completely at random.
These Useful Charts Are Handy In Various Life Situations!
With infographics and charts, you can learn and remember new information in such an easy and fun way!
WW2 Changed These Places Greatly. How Do They Look Now?
Incredible! This is how the war has changed these places.
These Fun Infographics Will Pique Your Interest!
Become more knowledgeable and more powerful today without boredom. Check out these fascinating maps and infographics!
The Incredible Differences Between North and South Korea
Photographer captures remarkable difference between North and South Korea.
If You Have Old Toys Laying Around, You Might Be Rich
If you've got any of these toys from the 1980s laying around, then you might just be sitting on a goldmine!
52:49
Full Documentary: What Happened to the Ancient Mayans?
Find out what happened to make the 2000-year-old Maya civilization suddenly disappear into nothingness.
20:10
The Incredible Story Behind the Taum Sauk Dam Failure
It’s a story of failure, recovery, and hard lessons in the power of infrastructure—and the price of overlooking risk.
You Know These 10 Foreign Words Without Even Realizing It
We’re willing to bet that you know more foreign words than you think, even if English is the only language you speak. Here’s why...
115 Incredible Facts You Never Knew About Cats!
Cats are the most popular animal on the internet by far, so we made this extensive list of cat facts that will turn you into a feline expert!
7 Guns that Changed History
This article explores famous firearms’ backstories, the events they were part of, and the legacies they left behind.
Meet 10 Teachers Who Made Our World a Better Place
Without the right teacher, educating children and adults alike would be close to impossible, so here's a list of 10 teachers who changed the world!
1925: World Events That Made the News a Century Ago
Let's jump back in time and revisit the major events that captured the world's attention exactly a hundred years ago.
12:48
The Most Unbelievable Land Boom in US History
Miami Beach started as a swampy island, and that is just one bit of Florida's fascinating history.
The Story Behind One of History's Coolest Photographs
The Story Behind Ormond Gigli’s Photo: “Girls in the Windows”
19:02
Hitler's Olympics: The 1936 Berlin Olympic Games
When the Olympics became a Nazi showcase.
Where Did These Common Sayings Come From? Fascinating!
You're probably aware of these common sayings, but where did they originate from? Fascinating!
18 Moments of History that Shed Light On Different Times
These 18 photos open a world of yesteryear for us to explore and enjoy.
17 Fascinating Facts About Anything and Everything
The world never ceases to surprise us. Here are 17 fascinating facts about history, nature, recent affairs, and anything in between.
10 Blood-Curdling Facts From Modern Life and History
These 10 creepy facts will send shivers down your spine!
Ancient Love Stories: The Most Iconic Historical Romances
The pages of history are crammed with some remarkable stories about love. Let's explore some of the greatest ones ever told.
Gene Hackman: A Look Into the Life of a Consummate Actor
The following biography chronicles Hackman’s journey from a modest upbringing and military service to Hollywood stardom, his personal life behind the scenes, and the enduring legacy he left after retirement.
6:48
Saffron - the Most Expensive Spice on Earth
Most of us can't even get our hands of this rare and expensive spice - saffron. But why is it so exclusive and pricey to begin with? Find out here
These Crazy Pawn Shop Stories Will Have You in Stitches
Check out these weird and hilarious stories that pawn shop workers have encountered over the years.
The Past Was a Surprising and Truly Strange Time...
Here are some truly weird things that people used to do in the past from days gone by.
15 Candid Snapshots of the Past That Feel Surreal Now
Let's take a look at some fascinating vintage photos that give us a fascinating glimpse of what life used to be in the past.
Learn the Secrets of the World's Most Persuasive Speakers
Persuasion is undoubtedly an art form, but how do you become recognized around the world for it? Learn 11 secrets of the most persuasive speakers alive.
These Photos Prove: Time & Angle Make All the Difference!
These fascinating comparison photos highlight what a huge difference time angle can make!
12:39
WATCH: 110-Year-Old Supercentenarian Talks of Life
Born in 1906, and having served in the South Pacific during WWII, Richard Overton is the US' oldest living veteran. Watch this video about his remarkable life.
2:10
God Thought Long & Hard Before Creating the Dog...
They do say dogs are our best friend, and there is a reason for that.
You’d Be Surprised at How Valuable These Old Items Are!
These 9 ordinary old items that could be extremely valuable today. Some of them may be collecting dust in your home right now...
The 10 Greatest British Monarchs in History
Do you know about the greatest monarchs in British history? Don't fret if you don't, because you're about to learn all about them right now.
12 Beautiful Facts About the Charming Act of Kissing
Such interesting facts about the act of kissing...
The 12 Moonwalkers: The Men Who Touched The Lunar Surface
Here's a look at the only 12 men in history to have walked on the surface of the moon.
This Lost WWII Postcard is a Moving Glimpse Into History
Bill Caldwell's family was astonished to receive a postcard from him - sent in 1943!
16:26
You Won't Believe What This Man Builds Single Handedly
Watch as this man single handed builds a beautiful underground house, complete with pool.
Love Mythology? You'll Love These Informative Animations!
These informative TED-Ed videos delve into some of the world’s most popular myths and attempt to explain them in all their glory!
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.