It’s the Library Book Bike!
Have you heard? The Book Bike is here!
Okay, technically, it’s a tricycle – but no matter the name (or number of wheels), it’s your local library on the GO.
Those who grew up with Bookmobiles may be familiar with the concept of mobile libraries – this can be a library in a bus, a van, or, in this case, a tricycle. Essentially, it is a library on the move, complete with books, games, crafts, a circulation station, information and program materials, and everything you might need or expect from a library on the go. The Book Bike is a popular outreach tool, allowing librarians to reach their community everywhere from schools, to parks, to grocery stores and beyond.
What’s in the Book Bike?
Depends on the visit! Here are the types of visits the Book Bike makes:
- A mobile check out station: Just like visiting our main circulation desk, except on three wheels! Our staff will fill the book bike with materials available for check out, pedal to their destination and set up shop. Patrons can sign up for library cards, check out materials, and grab a giveaway (or two).
- A mini, mighty craft station: What has three wheels, coloring pages, and a button maker? Our book mobile, of course! Make and take a craft home from the Book Bike at a location near you.
- Games on the go: Want to challenge a librarian to checkers? Play a board game with friends outside? Check out a new card game? Our Book Bike’s shelves are stacked and ready for players of all ages.
- An information hub: Got a question about services the library offers? Want to sign up to volunteer? Curious about our programs? Come on over for a wheel-side chat!
- And more! Got an idea for a Book Bike visit? We want to hear it! We’ve got three wheels, two shelves, an umbrella stand, a bike bell, and eager staff ready to pedal your way.
Where is the Book Bike?
We are hitting the road! Public Book Bike visits in New Hope and Solebury will be announced on the Library’s event calendar, Facebook and Instagram pages. Schools, organizations, and local events are also welcome to schedule Book Bike visits – contact our head of youth services, Louise Feder, at federl@buckslib.org for details and information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who made the Book Bike? Our Book Bike was made by Haley Tricycles in Philadelphia.
- Is it heavy or hard to steer? It’s different than riding a regular bicycle – you don’t have to be in motion to keep your balance or lean into turns – but the Book Bike is nimbler than you might imagine! With three gears and good brakes, it’s a sturdy experience riding around town.
- Do other libraries have book bikes? Not in Bucks County (yet!), but the BCFL does have a fantastic outreach vehicle. Nationally there are other library systems with book bikes, from the Free Library of Philadelphia to Los Angeles Public Libraries in California to the Oak Park Library in Chicago and many more. Larger library systems sometimes have “fleets” of these tricycles, favoring the flexibility the unit offers as well as its immediate curbside appeal.
- Will you come to my school/organization/business/festival? We love making book bike visits! The one caveat is the location must be within bike-able distance from the Library. This means that if you are within the Borough of New Hope and/or along the DCNR towpath, visits are significantly easier. Please email Louise Feder, our head of youth services, at federl@buckslib.org about scheduling book bike visits.