Andrews, or “Miss Susie” to thousands of children over the past three decades, recently retired after 34 years behind the wheel of the Montgomery County bookmobile. The county decided to discontinue the service because of budget constraints.
How did you get your start with the bookmobile?
I started out with a county car and boxes of books and just drove through the county. I found places where people had zero interest or access to libraries. And I thought, ‘How cool is this?’
What motivated you to do this more for so long?
Children give me that energy I need. There is nothing more precious than a child with a book. I’m in the process of building my own little children’s library at my house. I have picture books, pop-up books — plenty from all those years that can be used. Now children I helped 30 years ago are all grown up and bringing children of their own to me.
Why did you retire?
I didn’t retire to take a cruise. I’m not getting older; I’m just getting seasoned. But the county is eliminating my little bookmobile. What are you going to do? It’s a recession.
How big of loss will it be for the community?
I think it’s a terrible loss. Children don’t vote or pay taxes, but they should have a voice. It saddens me. They need to stay with books. It’s like the ice cream truck for some. They come running to check out books. I’m told they will revisit the service in two years.
Do you know how many books were checked out?
Oh my goodness, no. Clearly, I have tapped into thousands of children over a 34-year period. I never kept count. I was more focused on that one-on-one time.
– Brian Hughes
