Mayor Mike McGinn and librarians from The Seattle Public Library are launching a pilot program, Books on Bikes, to bring Library services to popular community events via bike this summer. Image may be NSFW.
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Mayor McGinn joined ten librarians for the inaugural bicycle ride to TOPS K-8 School. The group arrived at TOPS where a fourth grade class met the mayor and City Librarian Marcellus Turner, heard book talks, got new Library cards and chose from among the many books from the special Books on Bikes trailer.Image may be NSFW.
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“This is a great program that will help people access library services wherever they are” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “Books on Bikes will build awareness of library resources, as well as of the health benefits and fun of bike riding.”Image may be NSFW.
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Books on Bikes was the inspiration of Montlake Branch Librarian Jared Mills, who submitted the idea to a staff committee for grant funding. “I thought it would be great to combine two things Seattle loves: our libraries and bikes,” Mills said. The proposal was enthusiastically received by the committee.Image may be NSFW.
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“The Seattle Public Library is always looking for new ways to meet our patrons where they are,” said City Librarian Marcellus Turner. “This project brings mobile Library services to neighborhoods and events we might not otherwise reach in a fun and innovative way.”Image may be NSFW.
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Mills, a Central District resident, said Books on Bikes is a “full-service library model. I’m not aware of any other library that does this. We will be able to provide people with help on digital downloads, as well as offer reading suggestions, have popular new titles available for check-out, provide Library card sign-ups, assist with research and much more,” he said. The trailer to accommodate all the librarians’ needs was developed and constructed by Colin Stevens, who runs Haulin’ Colin in Seattle.
“It was specially designed to haul a lot of weight, as well as display books and other materials on the built-in shelves,” Mills said. “It also has a handy umbrella holder so we can keep our new books from getting wet if the weather changes while we are out riding.”
After TOPS K-8 Schools, the next stop for Books on Bikes will be at Pratt Park, 1800 S Main St., on Saturday, June 1, as part of Hopscotch CD. Other confirmed visits to date include the Pride Parade and PrideFest on June 30, Cyclefest on July 18, Umoja Fest on Aug. 3 and Fiestas Patrias on Sept. 14. The Books on Bikes team also plans to attend selected KEXP Concerts at the Mural and do pop-up story times at parks and farmer’s markets throughout the city.
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