Librarians around the U.S. have found a new way to peddle books to kids by literally pedaling the books on bikes.
Public libraries and schools across the U.S. have started “Books on Bikes” programs to take books to kids who can’t get to libraries. Sometimes it involves pedaling to “book deserts” — parts of town where there are no libraries — and other times it means going to community centers or events where kids hang out in the summer.
Seattle, Washington’s Books on Bikes program features bookcase trailers towed behind bicycles. Each trailer is equipped with Wi-Fi so librarians can register people for library cards and check out books on the spot.
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“You can walk up and walk away with an arm full of books,” Managing Librarian Jared Mills said.
The Seattle Public Library sends riders to public events to let people know about the program, and once checked out 75 books and enrolled 25 kids in a summer reading program during a single ride to a farmers’ market.
The Books on Bikes program at Newport News Public Schools in Virginia has handed out 1,000 books and 500 popsicles to kids this summer (pictured left). Teachers and volunteers ride around town on large tricycles carrying baskets full of books for summer reading.
Private school librarian Alicia Tapia started Bibliobicicleta in San Francisco, California to give away donated books. She’s routinely carried 100 books at a time on her regular Tuesday night rides since starting her donation program almost two years ago.
Tapia says kids are most likely to approach her for a book, but adults, “if they’re not too cool,” will check out her selections, too.
(WATCH the Newport News Public Schools video and READ more at Good) — Photos: NNPS-TV video
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