Library rolls out a bike bookmobile
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A mobile library is nothing new, but how about a library on two wheels?
The Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library just rolled out its newest delivery vehicle, and it's making the rounds to area parks and farmers markets.
It's a book bike - a bicycle and pop-up trailer that will bring the library to the people. Fully equipped with books, eBooks, library cards and a Wi-Fi hot spot, the book bike is the first of its kind in Indiana and a reminder of another first in Plainfield.
One hundred years ago, the Plainfield library was the first in the state to have a bookmobile, according to library marketing specialist Abby Nagy. Designed by a local physician who was on the library board, the book wagon was mounted on a 1916 Ford chassis and driven to mostly rural areas.
It's true. Everything old is new again.
The new book bike made its first public appearance at the Plainfield Farmers Market last week. Curious kids and adults peered into the trailer and discovered a small selection of books and materials available for borrowing. No library card? No problem. Library personnel can get you signed up while you wait.
"Our new book bike will be an amazing tool to connect our community to our library, wherever they are," said library manager Joanna Carter. Whether at the Plainfield Lions Club Splash Pad, Lunch Bunch (kids' summer lunch program at Franklin Park in Plainfield), riding the trails or visiting a festival, "we will bring our library to you," she said.
She took the bike out Thursday and hit the Plainfield trail system, eventually rolling into Franklin Park. "It was hugely popular," she said. "Kids were waving at us, and we made a lot of stops and had several book checkouts."
The library collaborated with the Burgeon Group in Portland, Ore., to design and build the custom book trailer, with help from Hendricks Regional Health, which noted the initiative promotes literacy and physical fitness. In fact, the library's summer reading theme is On Your Mark, Get Set, Read.
"We're getting our sea legs right now, but we have a lot of staff members who are avid bike riders," Carter said. "And our trail system offers great accessibility."
A1 Cyclery in Indianapolis provided the Trek bike to pull the trailer.
"Bicycles bring people together and allow you to experience your community on a much more personal level," said owner Chris Wiggins. "I would love to discover a new book during a bike ride."
Library staffers will take turns wheeling the book bike, but digital services librarian Matthew Stevenson will be the team captain. Gear and safety equipment will be provided by Hendricks Regional Health.
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Source: The Indianapolis Star, http://indy.st/1UzHt6N
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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com