1975 photo of a Bookmobile. The launching of the San Diego Public Library's bookmobile in 1948 excited patrons, particularly school kids, and made library service possible throughout greater San Diego. Carrying 2000 books, a librarian and a clerk-driver, the bookmobile visited elementary schools and shopping centers, and circulated 90 books per hour, more than any branch library in San Diego. By 1997, the costs of operating the bookmobile had grown but book circulation had dropped so the service ended on September 12, 1997.