Library rolls out new book bike

The new book bike can hold and display approximately 200 books.

Heights Libraries unveiled its new book bike at the University Heights Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 31, as part of the library’s parade display highlighting summer reading.

 A gift from the Friends of Heights Libraries, the book bike is a sturdy touring-style bike that pulls a custom-made trailer that can hold and display roughly 200 books. 

“It’s a small library on wheels,” said Community Engagement Associate Isabelle Rew, who manages the bike and is its primary rider. “The only difference is that customers don’t have to return these books—they get to keep them.” 

The book bike will appear at community events this summer, and will be stocked with donated or canceled library books in addition to promotional and educational materials, including program guides and booklets about early literacy. 

Referred to by some staff members as “book bike 2.0,” this new bike is the llbrary’s second. It replaces one that was used extensively 2013–18, and is now in semi-retirement at Heights Libraries’ Noble Neighborhood branch, where it will be used exclusively for outreach in that neighborhood.

“The new design is more robust and easier to ride, which ensures that we can continue our mission to reach more people and events in our community in this very green, sustainable way,” said Rew. “The Heights community has always embraced environmentalism and green initiatives, including cycling, so the book bike creates a lot of excitement—people really enjoy and appreciate not only the free books but the entire concept of people-powered literacy. They get it.”

Watch for the book bike this summer. Residents interested in arranging a visit from the bike can visit www.heightslibrary.org/services/community-outreach/book-bike/ and fill out the request form.